BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis – Orlando, Florida native U.S. Army Spc. Nicolas J. Hernandez is in St. Kitts, along with other U.S service members and over 20 Caribbean partner nations’ government, industrial and civic organizations, taking part in exercise Tradewinds 2018.
Tradewinds is a combined, joint exercise, conducted in three phases that helps build the capacity of Caribbean nations to respond to natural disasters, land and maritime threats and illicit trafficking.
Hernandez, and approximately 25 members of 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, of the Florida Army National Guard, are training partner nations’ military and police in advanced marksmanship training, which includes rifle, pistols and shotguns.
“From a training aspect it’s always good,” said Hernandez. “I like that we’re learning from them as much as they’re learning from us. I love teaching these guys.”
An Orange County, Florida sheriff’s deputy at home, Hernandez says that he is able to bring his knowledge and experience with firearms to Tradewinds to help build relationships with participants.
“We’re developing relationships with the different militaries here,” said Hernandez. “We’re building partnerships. We’re training each other.”
There are approximately 1,700 U.S. military, partner nation security, and civilian personnel participating in the exercise. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command with the goal of building and sustaining enduring relationships throughout the Caribbean nations.
Phase one of Tradewinds began June 4, 2018, and will continue through June 13, 2018. Phase two of the exercise will take place in the Bahamas and phase three will be held in Miami.