U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), is set to visit Trinidad and Tobago this week for a two-day engagement with government and defense officials. His itinerary includes participating in the closing ceremony of the Tradewinds 2025 security training exercise.
This trip marks Admiral Holsey's second visit to Trinidad and Tobago as SOUTHCOM Commander. His previous visit was last December for the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC). The Admiral's return emphasizes the ongoing partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.
During his stay, Admiral Holsey will meet with government representatives and Chief of Defense Staff Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel. These meetings aim to underscore military collaboration between the nations and provide a platform to discuss shared challenges in the Southern Caribbean, such as transnational organized crime and illegal immigration.
Admiral Holsey will also attend the closing ceremony of the 2025 Tradewinds exercise on May 8. This annual event involved over 1,300 military and security personnel from 24 countries, focusing on countering transnational organized crime as well as humanitarian and natural disaster response efforts.
The Tradewinds exercise has been held since the mid-1980s, with this year marking the sixth time it has taken place in Trinidad and Tobago.