Some 200 military and civilian exercise planners from across the Western Hemisphere gathered for the Tradewinds 2025 (TW25) initial planning conference (IPC), in Trinidad and Tobago, marking a significant step in the coordination of this large-scale multinational exercise, at the University of Trinidad and Tobago Chaguaramas Campus, November 4-9.
TW25, a U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) sponsored exercise, aims to strengthen partnerships, enhance regional security, and improve preparedness for complex threats, from natural disasters to violent extremism and malign actors.
TW25 will engage participants in maritime interdiction, ground security, interagency operations, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief scenarios.
“TW25 will execute chronologically in conjunction with multiple other exercises […], providing an exceptional opportunity to work with regional partners and further our collective interoperability,” said U.S. Army Colonel Christopher Jones, U.S. Army South (ARSOUTH) Training and Exercise director. “As the Executive Planning Agent in support of SOUTHCOM, ARSOUTH continues to demonstrate our commitment and dedication to ensuring partner nation sovereignty, security, and stability throughout the region.”
For Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Lieutenant Colonel Dwayne Edwards, TW25 provides an invaluable platform for collaborative planning and execution.
“The IPC allows all lead coordinators to ensure alignment in both planning and execution,” he explained. “It also gives us the opportunity to understand each other’s hopes and objectives for the exercise. Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are excited to interact with regional and international partners, and for many, it will be their first opportunity to serve alongside such diverse allies.”
TW25 includes participants from across roughly 30 partner nations in the region as well as NATO partners from France, Canada, and the Netherlands. The diverse participation of partner nations further underscores the emphasis on global interoperability and dynamic partnerships. Key areas of focus include cyber capacity building, special operations, land and maritime security, humanitarian and disaster response, and the Caribbean Task Force.
From the U.S. Coast Guard perspective, Commander Lucy Courtney, SOUTHCOM’s lead maritime planner, highlighted the Coast Guard’s unique contribution to the TW25 mission.
“Together with our partners we are building and enhancing our operational maritime security, maritime law enforcement, and maritime domain awareness within the region,” said Cmdr. Courtney.
“Exercises like Tradewinds are vital for building a collaborative front with our regional partners and ensuring we’re prepared for real-life events, whether it’s a hurricane or a security threat. The more we train together, the better we’ll perform when that day comes.”
TW25 will take place during April 2025, demonstrating an enduring commitment to regional stability, respect for partner nation sovereignty, and a shared vision for security in the Western Hemisphere.
