The United States and Trinidad and Tobago have a long history of military cooperation, marked by recent joint activities and ongoing support. This partnership has focused on strengthening security collaboration in the Caribbean region.
In late October 2025, U.S. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, participated in a military engagement and subject matter expert exchange with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF). The event is part of a series of planned engagements between the two forces.
Around the same time, the USS Gravely (DDG-107) docked in Port of Spain to facilitate training between U.S. Marine Corps personnel and the TTDF. This initiative aimed to reinforce defense collaboration and regional stability.
Additionally, students and teachers from Lochmaben Roman Catholic School toured the USS Gravely after infrastructure improvements at their school funded by United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). In September 2025, USSOUTHCOM donated educational materials such as computers, a printer, office furniture, and other resources to enhance learning at the school.
Earlier in August 2025, Navy Seabees provided structural repairs and upgrades to water, sewage, and electrical systems at Lochmaben Roman Catholic School during Operation “Continuing Promise” alongside a visit from USNS Comfort (T-AH-20). During this visit, U.S. personnel worked with local counterparts on healthcare collaboration, disaster preparedness, law enforcement capacity building, and offered free medical services including surgeries for residents of Trinidad and Tobago.
USSOUTHCOM also sponsored Tradewinds 2025—a major regional exercise co-hosted by TTDF and United States Army South—bringing together over 1,300 military personnel from 24 nations for training on countering transnational crime and responding to natural disasters.
On May 27, 2025—the date coinciding with U.S. Memorial Day—the embassy unveiled a commemorative plaque recognizing decades of cooperation between U.S. military forces and those of Trinidad and Tobago. The plaque honors more than 130,000 U.S. service members and over 10,000 Trinbagonians who served locally from the 1940s through the 1970s in roles vital to Allied efforts during World War II.
According to the American Battle Monuments Commission: "The plaque... stands as a permanent tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship, shared sacrifice, and cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. It honors the deep and lasting contributions made by both nations in defense of global peace and security during a pivotal time in world history."
In July 2024, USSOUTHCOM donated Harris radios valued at $653,000 to TTDF under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which supports security partnerships among Caribbean countries. Major General Julian Cheater stated: "These state-of-the-art Harris radios represent a critical investment in the communication capabilities of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force. This enhanced equipment will empower our partners to strengthen communications, boost situational awareness, and improve interoperability. The radios will facilitate smoother communication not only within the Defense Force but also with regional and international partners..."
Earlier that year—from April into May—the Delaware National Guard conducted joint aviation training with TTDF using UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters across various locations in Trinidad & Tobago. This was part of their participation in the State Partnership Program (SPP), which has paired Delaware with Trinidad & Tobago for over two decades since its inception in 1993; there are currently one hundred such partnerships worldwide.
This continued engagement reflects an ongoing commitment by both countries toward mutual security interests throughout the Caribbean region.