Tradewinds23: Soldiers exchange knowledge, skills to enhance marine capability

Among the areas that the soldiers were trained in include boat towing and handling, passenger exchange, man on board, and all tactical marine operations used at sea.

The News Room spoke to Brian Sinclair, one of the participating soldiers from the Jamaica Defence Force who shared the different techniques and skills he was exposed to as it relates to countering drug trafficking.

During this training, Sinclair said he and other soldiers were taught about the importance of shapes and measurement of vessels identifying hidden spaces to detect drug trafficking.

“If you get an understanding of the shaping of the vessel…Once you have a general understanding of the spacing of the vessel you might be able to search it, know what to search for and where to search,” he said.

Local soldiers were also given an opportunity to explore and work with their counterparts onboard the Mexican Navy vessel which is here to conduct search and rescue operations, deck landing qualifications and air operations in support of the maritime track.

The crew consists of more than 53 members of the Mexican Armed Forces.

On Tuesday, members of the media were given an opportunity to witness an emergency rescue evacuation onboard.

This exercise saw a demonstration of how an injured person is extracted with a helicopter and taken for medical evaluation.

Exercise Tradewinds is held annually with the aim of enhancing the ability of the defence forces of participating nations to counter regional threats and conduct humanitarian/disaster relief operations while developing strong relationships and reinforcing human rights awareness.

Currently, more than 1500 soldiers from over 21 countries are in Guyana to participate in the US Southern Command sponsored exercise.

They will be trained in ground, air, sea and cyber domains in various locations across Guyana from July 15-28.