Defense Caribbean Region, participated with more than 100 Dutch Soldiers as well as from Curaçao, in the international drills “Tradewinds”. The exercises took place from May 4 till 16 on Barbados, amongst other things to prepare the coming hurricane season, as well as to strengthen international cooperation.
Together with among others, United States of America, Canada, France and several Caribbean countries, Defense Caribbean Region participated in the drills “Tradewinds” in Barbados. With a total of 26 participating countries and more than 1000 soldiers, for a period of two weeks was invested in the international cooperation.
This year the focus of the exercise was on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and training against threats that the Caribbean could face in the future.
For example, the Marines carried out boarding exercises in collaboration with Mexican soldiers, Curaçao soldiers practiced operations in urban areas together with American soldiers and Zr. Ms. Pelikaan trained maneuver exercises together with among others Dominican, Canadian, and French naval vessels.
Defense Caribbean Region participated in “Tradewinds’ with Soldiers from Curaçao, patrol support ship Zr.Ms. Pelikaan, Marines from Marine Squadron Aruba, Marines from Naval Detachment Saint Marten and boat groups of both Aruba as Curaçao.
Defense trains several times during the year for hurricane relief. For example, in addition to exercise “Tradewinds”, the exercise Windward Express also takes place on the Windward Islands in September during the hurricane season. With the help of these types of exercises, Defense is prepared to provide (humanitarian) emergency aid when it matters most.
