Photo By Sgt. Scott Tynes | A formation of U.S. service members passes in review before Gen. John F. Kelly,...... read more read more
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Preparedness, security and prosperity were stressed during the closing ceremony of Tradewinds 2015, Phase One June 9 at Kim Collins Stadium in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
Senior commanders and civilian leaders from 19 participating countries attended the ceremony, which ended with a pass in review of partner nations involved in the exercise.
Tradewinds 2015 is a joint, combined exercise conducted in conjunction with partner nations to enhance the collective abilities of defense forces and constabularies to counter transnational organized crime and to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations. It is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command.
“This year’s Tradewinds built, as they all do, on the successes of the past,” said Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of SOUTHCOM. “It tested the capabilities of all our service members.”
One of the greatest achievements of the exercise are the relationships built in the course of cooperation, he said.
“The partnerships we forged here have brought us together not just as professionals, but equal partners and friends,” Kelly said.
Larry Palmer, U.S. ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, said the partnerships and friendships developed during the exercise have an impact throughout the region.
“Over the last 11 days, you have worked together to train for regional threats,” he said. “This mutual planning and preparedness makes us ready … to ensure safety, prosperity and stability. Today is a day to reflect on what you’ve learned.”
That reflection will bring greater understanding and cooperation to the region, said Grantley Watson, executive director of the Regional Security System.
“The exercise has brought significant benefits to the region,” said Watson.
“Our region is prone to natural disasters as well as social upheavals,” he said, including that the lessons learned during Tradewinds will help in responding to these events to save lives. “It is my hope that this exercise will continue for many years to come.”
This year marks the 31st annual Tradewinds exercise. Phase one was held in St. Kitts and Nevis through June 9. Belize will host phase two from June 15 – 24. Phase three will be held in Miami from July 14-16 for key stakeholders and decision makers within the region to discussion lessons learned from the exercise.
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2015 23:08 |
| Story ID: | 166041 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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