CAMP SPRINGFIELD, St. Kitts – Exercise Tradewinds 2015, a multi-national maritime security and disaster response exercise in the Caribbean, began with an opening ceremony to welcome the participating 19 partner nations May 31 at Camp Springfield, St. Kitts.
Tradewinds is a combined and joint exercise, which helps build the capacity of nations in the Caribbean to better respond to natural disasters, as well as land and maritime threats that including illicit trafficking.
Phase One is being hosted by the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) and will take place in and around the islands May 31 through June 9.
The exercise gives participants the opportunity to learn more about partner nations so that service members learn what to expect if they are deployed to other islands and nations, said Lt. Col. Patrick E. Wallace, commander of SKNDF.
“I stress that the knowledge and skill that comes from this exercise is essential,” said Wallace during the ceremony. “However, just as important, is the strengthening of multi-national relationships.”
Tradewinds Phase Two will take place in Belize and will build upon the relationships established in Phase One while focusing on interoperability with land and maritime operations.
Phase Three is a Key Leader Seminar to discuss the other phases and the way ahead.
Tradewinds provides the opportunity for all participating nations to collaborate together and ensure regional security, including at the executive level of leadership.