Canadian Armed Forces participate in Exercise TRADEWINDS 15

News Release

May 29, 2015 - Ottawa - Department of National Defence

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will participate in Exercise TRADEWINDS 15. This U.S.-led multinational exercise takes place in the Caribbean from May 31 to June 24, and involves several agencies responsible for maritime interdiction and ground security.

As part of their contribution, the CAF is deploying both maritime and land assets in a training and support role to this year’s exercise. The drills will involve ships, aircraft and personnel from 19 nations, as well as participation by key regional groups such as the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency, the Regional Security System and the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security.

Quick Facts

Led by U.S. Southern Command, Exercise TRADEWINDS is an annual exercise focussed on countering transnational organized crime, and practicing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in order to promote regional security cooperation.
Canadian Armed Forces personnel will both lead and participate in various land and maritime training activities during the exercise.
CAF personnel will also participate in an observer/trainer role to assist regional organizations in the evaluation of current plans as well as provide practical advice on how to put those plans into action. They will also assist in the assessment of this year’s exercise and aid in the development of future exercises.
Canada’s maritime contribution to Exercise TRADEWINDS 15 will consist of one Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Glace Bay, with a crew of 40, as well as a diver training team from Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) (FDU(A)). HMCS Glace Bay will focus on areas such as firefighting, suspect vessel tracking and boarding procedures, and weapons usage. The team from FDU(A) will lead training in areas including night dive operations, hull search techniques and evidence site contamination prevention.
The Canadian Army will provide a contingent of 34 personnel, primarily from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. In partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces, the Canadian Army helped develop, and will co-lead, training in how to set up and run a firing range, urban operations, and command and control mentorship within a joint operational headquarters. Additionally, 12 CAF members will participate in jungle warfare training led by the Belize Defence Force.
Exercise TRADEWINDS provides an important opportunity for the CAF to strengthen defence support between partner nations for civilian government-led disaster response efforts. Multinational exercises such as this develop skills and procedures that enhance interoperability, readiness, crisis response capabilities, and communications between partner nations.

Quotes

“Canada shares a close and long-standing defence relationship with our Caribbean partners and is steadfast in strengthening security in the region. Canada is committed to playing an active role in the area and recognizes the importance of promoting Caribbean regional security and cooperation through activities such as Exercise TRADEWINDS.”
- Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“From planning to execution, Exercise TRADEWINDS is an excellent opportunity for our sailors, divers, and soldiers to impart their knowledge and skills to international partners and allies, as well as to hone their collective skills and exchange best practices with personnel and forces from our Caribbean partners. We’re helping to build the capacity necessary to deal with a wide range of security and defence tasks and are fostering vibrant regional relationships.”
- Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command

Related Products

Backgrounder – Exercise TRADEWINDS

Backgrounder – The Canada-U.S. Defence Relationship

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Contact

Lauren Armstrong
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Hon. Jason Kenney National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military

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Canadian Armed Forces participate in Exercise TRADEWINDS 15

News Release

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