Tradewinds 2022 Overview
Tradewinds was a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored a combined and joint exercise focused on building the capacity of U.S. forces and nations in the Caribbean to better respond to security threats. Participating countries worked to improve security responses through exchange of knowledge and expertise. This exercise dates back to the mid-1980s.
More than 1,800 personnel from the United States and 21 partner nations participated in this 37th iteration of Tradewinds. Belize hosted land-phase training activities, and Mexico hosted maritime-phase training activities.
This exercise was conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective ability of their defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime and conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations, while strengthening relationships and reinforcing human rights awareness. The strong relationships forged during Tradewinds 2022 through the exchange of knowledge and expertise are key to maintaining regional security and prosperity throughout the Caribbean and Caribbean Basin.
Participants
About 1,500 U.S. military, partner nation security, and civilian personnel took part in the exercise.
During Tradewinds 2022, U.S. forces along with other U.S. government agencies, conducted subject matter expert exchanges with all participating nations, to include the nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and regional agencies to include the Regional Security System (RSS), the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
Nations Participating
Belize and Mexico (co-hosts), Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and the United States..
U.S. Forces Involved
The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force Reserve, U.S. Navy Reserve, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, U.S. Army National Guard, and elements of U.S. Special Operations Command South will be participating.
Graphic depicting details of the U.S. Southern Command-sponsored training exercise, Tradewinds 2022. Text: Strengthening Security in the Caribbean: Mexico and Belize are co-hosting this year’s Tradewinds exercise, which includes forces from the United States and regional partner nations training together from May 7 – 21, 2022. Tradewinds, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise, will hone participating forces’ skills during land, air, sea, and cybersecurity scenarios requiring a unified response. Interoperability between more than 20 participating nations | 1,500 total uniformed and civilian personnel | Engaged in Air, Ground, and Dive Operations | Enhancing security cooperation and disaster response. (Graphic produced by Stephen Gardner, SOUTHCOM Public Affairs)