Jamaican phase of ‘Exercise Tradewinds’ comes to an end

Military personnel and VIPs from 17 participating nations in Exercise Tradewinds 2016, converged at Up Park Camp on Tuesday, June 28 for the closing ceremony of the land-based phase of the annual regional military training exercise.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in giving the keynote address, praised the efforts of all participating nations, saying that cooperation between nations is, “the best way to counteract organized crime”.

The ceremony, which marked the end of the second phase of the three-part initiative, was described by Lieutenant General Joseph DiSalvo, Deputy Commander United States Southern Command and Major General Antony Anderson Chief of Defence Staff, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as "a great example of regional cooperation and a successful military collaboration”.

'Exercise Tradewinds' is a multinational military training exercise aimed at increasing the region’s capacity to conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations, reinforcing human rights awareness and countering transnational organized crime.

Since Monday, June 20, Jamaica and 17 partner nations have been exchanging tactics and techniques with each other in the areas of internal security, counter illicit trafficking, and advanced small arms training at various JDF camps and bases across the island.

At the Moneague Training Camp in St. Ann, soldiers conducted Internal Security manoeuvres such as simulated multiple patrolling, vehicle searches, public order drills, and snap raids as part of their focus on law enforcement support operations.

At the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Headquarters at Up Park Camp in St Andrew, the counter illicit trafficking training saw soldiers spend the week practicing fast roping and rappelling, and vertical insertion and extraction drills.

At the Twickenham Park Gallery Range in Spanish Town, the advanced small arms training encompassed quick aim shooting on moving engagements, refining reloads, immediate action and static turn drills.

The third and final phase of Exercise Tradewinds 2016 will begin on July 19 in Miami, Florida.