US warship to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago for joint military exercises

The Trinidad and Tobago government says a United States warship is scheduled to arrive this weekend for a five-day visit that will include joint military training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

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The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer with members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit on board, will dock in Port of Spain from October 26–30. The destroyer is equipped with advanced weapons systems, can operate helicopters, and has recently been deployed for counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean.

“The US military services’ presence in Trinidad and Tobago highlights the US commitment to regional security and cooperative efforts in the Caribbean.

“The visit strengthens US-Trinidad and Tobago military cooperation through expert exchanges focused on core infantry tactics, maintenance procedures and advanced medical capabilities, leveraging the TTDF’s facilities to enhance tactical proficiency and enhance mutual trust. These efforts strengthen interoperability, reinforce long-term defence cooperation and improve operational readiness among partner forces,” the ministry said in its statement.

The arrival of the vessel follows an advisory issued by the US Embassy in Port of Spain a week ago, warning American citizens to avoid visiting US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago “due to a heightened state of alert” over the Divali holiday weekend.

Last weekend, the Guyana-based Caricom Secretariat said regional leaders met earlier this month to discuss ongoing security build-ups in parts of the Caribbean and their potential impact on member states. It noted that Trinidad and Tobago did not endorse the position that emerged from the meeting.

The Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led coalition government later reaffirmed its stance, stressing that United States military operations are “aimed at combating narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime (and) are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true ‘zone of peace’ where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised the Persad-Bissessar administration for being part of an “alliance” of Caribbean and Latin American countries.