Courtesy Photo | Canadian Forces Lt. Col. Stephen Hale, an exercise planner from the 5th Canadian...... read more read more
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SAINT GEORGE, Antigua and Barbuda - “TRADEWINDS 26 (TW26) represents the intersection of readiness and partnership. It ensures that the Joint Force can operate seamlessly with regional allies, respond rapidly to crises, and collectively deter shared threats,” said Lt. Col. Innis Bryant, Chief of Joint Exercises, United States (U.S.) Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), during the TW26 final planning conference held at the American University of Antigua from March 16-20, 2026.
TRADEWINDS is an annual SOUTHCOM-sponsored exercise focused on regional security cooperation, yet with global applicability. By fostering collaboration among partner nations, the exercise enhances interoperability, improves disaster response readiness, and strengthens the collective ability to counter shared regional threats. It brings together security forces from the Caribbean Basin, North America, and selected European countries, incorporating both Field Training Exercise (FTX) and Command Post Exercise (CPX).
“Exercise TRADEWINDS strengthens US forces, allies, and partners by improving how they work together, boosting regional security, and enhancing disaster response. By training together, participants can respond to crises more efficiently, increase their collective defense readiness, and better support the overall theater campaign plan,” said Bryant.
Participating countries this year are Antigua and Barbuda (host nation), Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom, and United States.
Assistant TW26 Exercise Planner, Lt. Col. Sonya Y. Frazier, remarked, “The U.S. joint force benefits from this training by gaining practical tools and experience to better secure their interests and respond swiftly to crises. Training with partners multiplies capabilities and experience, preparing participants to face varied and complex challenges together.”
TW26 will take place in Antigua and Barbuda from June 3-17, 2026. This multi-domain exercise covers ground, air, and sea, and involves regional civilian agencies, security forces, and Observer/Controller-Trainer teams. The goal is to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance disaster response, improve crime and security management, and build operational capacity for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Regional Security System (RSS), the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
“In contrast to large-scale global exercises, TRADEWINDS is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and realities of the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere,” said Bryant. “Hurricane-prone regions—both in the U.S. and abroad—benefit greatly from exercises that rehearse humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Residents in these areas value preparedness, which boosts public support. Conducting these exercises in partner environments tests our operational reach. It lets us practice coalition command and control and achieve service and partner force integration. These lessons cannot be replicated at home stations.”
TW26 is a SOUTHCOM-sponsored exercise that demonstrates coordination and collaboration with allies and partners. These multinational exercises enhance participating nations' ability to work together, sustain regional stability, and uphold shared values and interests.
The Joint Force uses training to demonstrate its ability to work with allies and partners across all areas, facing common security challenges together.
Antigua and Barbuda is hosting TW26, a multi-domain exercise with over 1,000 participants training in ground, air, and sea operations. These activities aim to boost Caribbean nations' ability to respond to crises, improve regional security, and foster stronger international cooperation through enhanced interdiction, security, and interagency collaboration skills.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2026 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 562195 |
| Location: | AG |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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