All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

BRIDGETOWN

Background
Post is responsible for the INL-funded program in seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Post is also responsible for monitoring equipment provided to the French Department of Martinique. The Narcotics Affairs Agent personally monitored equipment and met with the Police, Coast Guard, Defense Force, Financial Intelligence Units and other officials to review the use of equipment and services provided through NAS funding. Host government officials cooperated fully with End Use Monitoring.

EUM Program Coordinator
NAS Procurement Agent Robert McDonald, (245) 227-4128; mcdonaldrh@state.gov

Inventory System
Upon receipt of equipment, the recipients are required to complete receiving reports which are entered into the inventory database maintained in MS Access.

Staff Member Responsibilities
Robert McDonald is the sole INL-funded employee in the NAS Section in Bridgetown and is responsible for the purchase, delivery and inspection of all equipment and services provided with NAS funding.

Counterpart Agencies
Antigua Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)
Office of National Drug Control and Money Laundering Policy (ONDCP)
Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC)
International Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA)
Federal Crimes Information Unit (FCIU)
Police Training School Drug Squad

Monitoring Procedures
On-site Inspections There were a total of 1,666 donated items subject to inspection. Post inspected
about 80% of the available items.

Status-Commodities

Barbados

Vehicles
The Barbados Airport Security uses one 2001 Mitsubishi L200 double cab purchased in support of the C-26 program. The 2003 Nissan X-Trail provided to the Barbados Information Centre remains in good condition and is used for surveillance.

Airport Security
Mitsubishi L200 double cab
1
Police Information Center
Nissan X-trail
1

Communications Equipment
The Sectel telephone and base station at the Coast Guard are working well.

Computer Equipment
Thirty laptops purchased for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2002 were distributed throughout the court system and used daily. Three laptops, four computers, i2 Analyst's Notebook, four printers, one digital camera and one projector are in use at the Financial Crime Investigations Unit (FCIU) and are in fair condition. Two of the laptops need new batteries. Two printers, a server, scanner and a fax machine are in use at the Barbados Information Centre (JICC program). Three were purchased in 2001 and need to be replaced. The Drug Squad uses one computer and one printer which are in fair condition.

Miscellaneous Equipment
The 22 stenography machines are in need of servicing but there are no qualified technicians on the island and no funding to send the machines overseas to be serviced. The television, chairs, TV carts, A/C units, and keyboard charts are all used daily. The Barbados Information Center has one photocopier which is in good condition.

Uniform and Field Gear
One pair of Night Vision Goggles is in use at the Airport Security. The Drug Squad uses one digital camera and the Barbados Information Center uses one portable scanner which is in good condition. The digital camera has reached the end of its useful life.

Vessels
The Coast Guard has one H920 RHIB in good condition. The 733 RHIB and Boston Whaler are in fair condition.

Coast Guard
Boston Whaler
1
733 RHIB
1
H920 RHIB
1

Dominica

Vehicles
In 2007, the NAS purchased a Toyota double cab for the Dominica Customs. It is in good working order. The Coast Guard uses one 2006 Kubota tractor mainly for hauling and retrieving the H920 RHIB boat. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero used in the DARE program was involved in an accident but was repaired and is in good condition. One 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon at the Special Branch program is in good condition.

Coast Guard
Nissan Double Cab
1
Kubota tractor
1

DARE
Mitsubishi Pajero
1

Special Branch
Mitsubishi Pajero
1

Customs
Toyota Double Cab
1

Computer Equipment
In 2008, NAS Bridgetown purchased one laptop, one desktop computer, and one scanner for the FCIU. The FCIU uses two laptops, three computers, one all-in-one fax machine, i2 Analyst's Notebook, two printers, one laptop and one server. Three computers and one multi-purpose unit have reached the end of their useful life. Three computers, two printers, and one projector are in use at the Financial Services Unit (FSU).

Comunications Equipment
The Police Force has one solar repeater in use.

Vessels
In 2007, the NAS purchased two 275 hp engines for the H920 RHIB which is not fully functional. The lower units of the 733 RHIB's engine are having problems and the Coast Guard is seeking to have them replaced by the manufacturers. The 22' Nautica RHIB purchased in 2001 continues to experience engine and fuel tank problems and the collar needs to be replaced. It has been determined that repairs would be too costly so arrangements are being made to dispose of the vessel by auction.

Maritime Equipment
The 733 RHIB has been fitted with new engines acquired by TAFT and is working well. The H920 RHIB has engine problems but is serviceable. The 22' Nautica RHIB purchased in 2001 continues to experience engine and fuel tank problems but is serviceable and is used in shallow areas. Two 225 HP engines purchased in 2001 are operational.

Coast Guard
22' Nautica
1
733 RHIB
1
920 RHIB
1

Miscellaneous Equipment
One portable air compressor at the Coast Guard is having the wheels replaced as it appears too heavy for existing wheels; otherwise it is working perfectly and has proven quite useful. The Director of Public Prosecutions uses law books and one photocopier. The Drug Squad uses two filing cabinets and a shredder. Their photocopier is no longer serviceable. The FCIU uses a photocopier, safe, shredder, and twelve office chairs. Five office chairs have reached the end of their useful life. One photocopier, fax machine, shredder, heavy duty stapler, binding machine and paper cutter are in use at the FCIU. One conference table and twelve chairs have been transferred to the National Joint Information Center (NJIC) as it is too large to fit into the conference room at the new FCIU office.

Uniforms and Field Gear
In 2008, the NAS purchased 20 holsters, 20 flashlights, four binoculars, one NVG and one camcorder for the Drug Squad. In 2007, the NAS purchased twelve handcuffs, eight drug test kits, fifteen BDU's, six microcassette recorders, six flashlights and latex gloves for the Customs and Excise Department and Personal Floating Devices (PFD's) for the Coast Guard. The Customs and Excise Department also uses five binoculars, two spotlights, body armor and one digital camera. The Drug Squad uses Night Vision Goggles, binoculars, a digital camera, traffic vests, BDU uniforms, holsters, body armor, flashlights, GPS receivers, rain gear, handcuffs, weapon belts, ponchos, jungle boots, water bottles, two vehicle camouflage nets, six tents, inspection mirrors and field compasses. The Coast Guard has one handheld spotlight, rain gear, Night Vision Goggles, binoculars, body armor, a digital camera and fiber optic viewer.

St. Lucia

Vehicles
One 2001 Isuzu double cab at the Marine Police Unit is serviceable but used extensively between the Vieux Fort Base and the Castries Base and experiences minor problems from time to time. The Police Drug Squad's 2001 Nissan Patrol Wagon was involved in an accident with a drunk driver during an operation and has been scrapped. One 2000 Mitsubishi mini bus is used for the DARE program and is in fair condition.

Coast Guard
Izusu Double Cab
1

DARE
Mitsubishi mini bus
1
Coast Guard
H920 RHIB
1
733 RHIB
1
Boston Whaler
1

Computer Equipment
In 2008, NAS Bridgetown donated one laptop, one desktop and one printer to the Police Special Branch. Two computers, two printers, one laptop and one fax machine are used by the Police Special Branch and are in good condition. The FCIU is using a projector, one i2 Analyst's Notebook, six computers, a fax machine, digital camera, scanner, two printers and one laptop. One fax machine and one scanner are used daily at the Coast Guard. Two computers and two printers have reached the end of their useful life. The Drug Squad is making use of one computer and printer at their Vieux Fort location. Two computers, one laptop, and two printers are in use at the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS). The Customs Central Intelligence Unit uses three computers, two scanners, one printer, and one laptop. They are in fair condition.

Communications Equipment
Two VHF radios and one base station are in use at the Coast Guard.

Vessels
The Marine Unit's Zodiac H920 "Go Fast" RHIB is fully operational and in good condition. One of the 275 HP Mercury engines purchased in 2007 exploded during and operation. The 733 RHIB is fully operational and used at the Vieux Fort Base. One Boston Whaler, which is used only or training, is being refurbished.

Coast Guard
H920 RHIB
1
733 RHIB
1
Boston Whaler
1

Uniforms and Field Gear
The Customs Department uses two Night Vision Goggles which are in fair condition. The Drug Squad uses 25 sets of uniforms and boots, one portable scale, two Night Vision Goggles and a digital camera. The Marine Unit uses six sets of dive gear, fourteen sets of body armor, and a fiber optic viewer. All are in fair condition. The FCIU uses one Night Vision Goggles, one pair of binoculars, and three bulletproof vests in good condition. The Special Branch is using one camcorder, one digital camera, and ten sets of body armor.

Miscellaneous Equipment
In 2006, the NAS provided five air conditioning units to the Marine Unit's Base in Castries. They are in good condition. Five air conditioning units, one photocopier, shredder, four filing cabinets, lockers and folding chairs are used daily at the Marine Unit's sub-base in Vieux Fort and are in fair condition. One NAS provided photocopier is in use at the CRO. The FCIU uses one conference room table with chairs, four 2-drawer filing cabinets, one safe, six office desks, six chairs, one shredder and two fireproof filing cabinets. The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat uses armchairs, side chairs, a desk, a credenza, and a conference table. One shredder is in use at the Police Special Branch. Law books are in use at the Office of the D.P.P.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Vehicles
The Drug Squad's uses one 1988 Toyota Double Cab and one 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero wagon. Both have been extensively used and need to be replaced. One 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero for the Marion House "Right Step Program" remains in fair condition and is used to transport employees to mentor in rural districts. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero purchased for the DARE Program has been repaired and reupholstered and is working well.

DARE
Mitsubishi Pajero
1

Drug Squad
Mitsubishi Pajero
1

Marian House
Mitsubishi Pajero
1

Computer Equipment
The Drug Squad uses two laptops, one digital SLR camera and one photo printer which are in good condition. One computer and a scanner are used at the Community Relations Office (CRO). Three laptops, two projectors, one scanner, one printer, one USB flash drive, and an I2 Analyst Notebook are in use at the FCIU and in good condition. The A/G's office uses three computers, one server, two printers, one scanner, one projector, and one photocopier. The Police Narcotics Intelligence Unit has two computers, one fax machine and one printer.

Vessels
Two H920 RHIB's and one 733 RHIB at the Coast Guard are in good condition. Their Boston Whaler is presently receiving repairs to the hull.

Miscellaneous Equipment
One laminator, one binding machine, a digital surveillance and security access system, shredder, television, VCR, digital camera, safe, and photocopier are in use at the FCIU and are in good condition. One TV/VCR and one slide projector provided by the NAS are in use at Marion House and are in good condition. The Drug Squad uses twenty-four pairs of bunk beds and one paper trimmer which are in fair condition. The Police Narcotics Intelligence Unit uses one photocopier which is in fair condition.

Uniforms and Field Gear
Three bullet proof vessels, one Night Vision Goggles, one digital SLR camera, one camcorder, one digital camera, one pair of binoculars and three micro-cassette recorders are in good condition and used by the FCIU. One digital recorder, two vehicle rotating lights, Raid T-shirts, one Night Vision Goggles, drug I.D. kits, body armor, GPS's, SLR camera, binoculars, one digital camcorder and flashlights are in fair condition and used daily at the Drug Squad. Their Raid T-shirts and Night Vision Goggles have reached the end of their useful life.

Antigua and Barbuda

Vehicles
The Police Drug Squad's Canine Unit is using two 2001 Suzuki vans with dog cages. They are in good condition. The Police Drug Squad's 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero has reached the end of its useful life. The 1999 Nissan Patrol purchased for the DARE program works well. The ONDCP's 2003 Suzuki Vitara Wagon is used extensively and is experiencing engine problems.

Canine Unit
Suzuki Carry Van
2

DARE
Nissan Patrol
1

ONDCP
Suzuki Vitari Wagon
1

Vessels
The Coast Guard's H920 RHIB is working well. Their 733 RHIB needs a new collar. Two Boston Whalers are in out-of-commission and not cost- effective to repair.

Miscellaneous Equipment
The ONDCP uses four stationery storage cabinets, nineteen desks and chairs, and two fireproof filing cabinets.

Uniforms and Field Gear
In 2008, NAS Bridgetown donated one pair of Night Vision Goggles to the Drug Squad. One pair of Night Vision Goggles is in use at the
Antigua Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF). The Drug Squad uses one portable scale, portable scanners, cameras, binoculars, micro cassette recorders and handcuffs. Two portable scanners have reached the end of their useful life. The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Police (ONDCP) uses a portable scale, body armor, portable scanners, camera equipment, a camcorder, flashlights, binoculars, Night Vision Goggles and rechargeable spotlights, and micro cassette recorders. The Coast Guard uses a NAS-provided digital camera.

Computer Equipment
The Financial Services Regulatory Commission uses nine laptops. The Police Training School uses one projector. Four laptops are in use at the Financial Service Regulatory Commission. Two laptops have reached the end of their useful life. The International Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) uses 14 computers, two servers, one network printer and one scanner. The ONDCP equipment includes 24 computers, three printers, a projector, three i2 Analyst's Notebooks, two servers, a plotter, four scanners and four printers. One projector was damaged due to a power surge and cannot be repaired. The Defense Force uses one laptop. The Drug Squad uses one projector.

St. Kitts

Vehicles
The Nevis Task Force uses one 2001 Toyota double cab. The St. Kitts Drug Squad's uses one 1996 Jeep Cherokee. Their 1998 Mitsubishi mini van has reached the end of its useful life and has been replaced by the Police Credit Union. The 1999 Mitsubishi mini bus provided to the DARE program remains in good condition.

Nevis Task Force
Toyota Double Cab
1
St. Kitts Drug Squad
Jeep Cherokee
1

DARE Program
Mitsubishi Van
1

Miscellaneous Equipment
One air conditioning unit is in use at the National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ). The Nevis Financial Services Department uses one photocopier. The Drug Squad uses six air conditioning units, desks, filing cabinets, stacking chairs and office chairs. The FCIU uses one office desk and chair, one secretarial workstation, one conference table, twelve chairs, three fireproof filing cabinets, a binding machine, trimmer, television, VCR, photocopier, shredder and digital camera. The National Council for Drug Abuse Prevention (NACDAP) uses one television, VCR, photocopier, five desks, five office chairs, ten guest chairs, and a conference table with sixteen chairs, two stationery cabinets and two filing cabinets.

Vessels
The Coast Guard's Zodiac H920 RHIB needs new engines which are being purchased by TAFT in Puerto. Their 733 RHIB is having one collar patched and reinstalled. The 22' RHIB purchased for the Nevis Customs is operational.

Computer Equipment
One server, three computers, one printer, digital camera and projector are in use at the National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ). Four computers, one server and one laptop are in use at the Financial Services Department (FSD). The Nevis Regulation and Supervisory Division (RSD) uses four computers, three printers, and one laptop. The FIU uses one i2 Analyst Notebook, two computers, a network hub, laptop, projector, scanner and two printers. One computer and one printer are in use at their Nevis office and two computers have reached the end of their useful life. Five computers, a projector and fax machine are in use at the (NACDAP). One scanner is in use at the Drug Squad.

Uniforms and Field Gear
In 2007, the NAS provided five sets of body armor and one Night Vision Goggles to the Coast Guard; two vehicle light bars, two siren sets, two handheld scanners, one Night vision Goggles, twenty body armor, ten leg irons and twenty handcuffs to the Police Force; seven body armor, two digital cameras, thirteen handcuffs, one NVG, four binoculars, and 39 sets of BDU's to the Drug Squad. The Drug Squad uses a camcorder, handcuffs, two portable scales (one in Nevis) and a digital camera. The Nevis Police uses BDUs, jungle boots, ponchos, handcuffs, fingerprint cameras, fingerprinting equipment, SLR cameras, film developing equipment, Night Vision Goggles, handcuffs, flashlights, binoculars, rain gear, body armor, traffic vests and a digital camera.

Grenada

Vehicles
The Special Services Unit's (SSU) 2001 3-ton Toyota truck is in fair condition. The FCIU's 2001 Mitsubishi L3000 van was traded in for a new vehicle at the expense of the Grenada Government. The Drug Squad's 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara wagon is in good condition. It was originally purchased for undercover operations but will have to undergo some repainting to resume these activities. The DARE program uses one 1999 Mitsubishi Prajero wagon. It is in fair condition.

Miscellaneous Equipment
Fireproof filing cabinets, an alarm system, a photocopier, two fireproof filing cabinets, one shredder, four desks, six chairs, coffee table, six waiting room chairs, television, VCR, fax machine, digital camera, a filing cabinet, and a portable projector screen are all in good condition at the FIU. The Drug Squad uses one NAS-provided television and VCR, one shredder, a photocopier, three filing cabinets, five office chairs and two fireproof cabinets. Six air conditioning units are in use at Police Headquarters and are in fair condition.

Vessels
The Coast Guard's five engines purchased in 2003 remain in good condition. The H920 RHIB vibrates when going at high speed which makes it incapable of taking part in interdiction operations. The 733 RHIB is in need of lower units for its engine and is presently out-of-service. Both Boston Whalers are being refurbished.

Computer Equipment
The FIU uses two laptops, one fax machine, four computers, three printers, and one scanner. Their i2 Analyst's Notebook needs to be upgraded. The Drug Squad uses one server, two computers, and two palm pilots. The projector is still in need of a new bulb.

Uniforms and Field Gear
The Police Force uses 250 police caps and belts, 430 sets of uniforms, 150 reflective vests and 150 flashlights which are distributed throughout the police force and in fair condition. The Drug Squad uses binoculars, polo shirts, caps, pagers, a rescue phone, body armor, two digital cameras, a digital camcorder, batons, windbreakers, microcassette recorders, flashlights, and Night Vision Goggles that are in fair condition. Two digital cameras have reached the end of their useful life. The Police Special Branch uses body armor, microsette recorders and a GPS receiver.

Martinique
The Director of the French Coast Guard has reported that the 82-foot patrol boat, the Lafayette, is in good condition and continues to contribute to the seizures of marijuana and cocaine. It completed 103 missions, 952 hours, 432 vessels boarded and controlled.

Regional Security System

Vehicles
One 2002 Isuzu double cabin pickup purchased for the C-26 project received clutch repairs and is working well.

Aircraft
The RSS Airwing has two C-26 aircraft. One is fully operational and the other has been sent to Provincial Airlines to have fuel leaks repaired. The C-26s have proven very effective in interdictions throughout the region, flying a total of 814 hours while taking part in 233 counter-drug mission. Forty-eight targets were prosecuted, 561 lbs of cocaine, 9,404 lbs of marijuana and 13 vessels were seized and there were 57 arrests.

Vessels
One Zodiac H920 RHIB located at the RSS Training Unit has engine problems. Replacement parts will be source from one of the Coast Guards in the region.

Computer Equipment
The Administration Section uses two laptops and two projectors for classroom training sessions. The Training Unit in Antigua uses one scanner and one fax machine. The C-26 project uses one computer and three printers.

Communications Equipment
The pilot headsets at the C-26 program are in good condition. Their hand-held batteries need new batteries.
Uniforms and Field Gear-The C-26 program uses sixteen aircrew survival vests, life preservers, flight suits, boots, rescue lights, rescue mirrors, a digital camera and camcorder. Chain saws, two 20' x 40' tents, night vision goggles, rope, binoculars, machetes, gloves, gerry cans, MRE's GPS receivers are used for marijuana eradication operations and were used in eradicating 320,000 plants in 2008.

Miscellaneous Equipment
The RSS Training Unit in Antigua uses lockers, a shredder, ten filing cabinets, 12 utility tables, 32 classroom chairs, one lectern, one coffee table, one living room suite, mattresses, folding chairs, folding tables, two washing machines, two dryers and a 25-ton air conditioner condensing unit. Two refrigerators, two televisions, two VCRs, a TV stand, microwave oven, radio cassette, refrigerator, lawn mower, weed-wacker, and 11 air conditioners are used by the C-26 support staff.

Program Impact

Aircraft
The two NAS-provided C-26 aircraft used by the Regional Security System's Airwing have been a great success story. Operating mainly on intelligence received, they have been able to detect go-fast boats transporting drugs through the Caribbean and in coordination with the Coast Guards and Police Forces have been able to guide the aircraft accurately toward suspected vessels. The aircraft have also been used during a prison uprising in Barbados and to assist in providing relief to islands hit by hurricanes.

Vessels
The NAS-provided H920 Go-fast RHIBS have been very useful in intercepting go- fast boats carrying drugs. In coordination with the C-26 aircraft, the vessels have been deployed strategically to intercept vessels throughout the region.

Vehicles
NAS-provided vehicles are crucial to conducting interdictions in the region. Because of the topography of some islands, these vehicles which are purchased specifically for rough terrain have proven useful in reaching areas not accessible to regular vehicles. The vehicles provided for the DARE program are crucial to the officers in reaching schools which are on the other side of the islands.

Field Equipment
NAS works closely with DEA in ensuring that sophisticated equipment necessary for carrying out interdictions and surveillance are provided to the respective forces. Items such as Night Vision Goggles and bullet proof vests are not necessarily standard issue and the officers would not be able to effectively carry out interdictions without them.

Computer Equipment
NAS-provided computer equipment has been useful in carrying out everyday duties in several agencies. In some islands, the NAS-provided computer equipment are the only means of carrying out their duties.

Uniforms
NAS has provided Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU's) to some agencies to carry out surveillance and interdictions in jungle type situations. Previously, they had to wear regular T-shirts or civilian clothes. NAS-provided uniforms have proven to be more suitable and have resulted in an increased number of these operations. The NAS also provided uniforms to the Grenada Police Force after a hurricane had destroyed most of their stores.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan (COR)

Funding
Reduced NAS funding in recent years has severely affected the mobility of some agencies. Vehicles are aging and need to be replaced as they are used extensively and break down often. Sometimes, when required to carry out an operation, the Drug Squad has had to depend on other agencies to loan them a vehicle.

Spare Engines
With respect to vessels, the respective Coast Guards have experienced problems with the engines on the H920 RHIBs. The original engines have been replaced but there are no spare engines in case the existing ones have problems. Spare parts are not accessible locally and sometimes they are forced to cannibalize old engines to get replacement parts. There have been occasions when suspected vessels were in the area but the Coast Guard did not have a vessel to inspect them. Vessels have had to also give up chase because the engines would overheat. The Nautica 22' RHIB in Dominica has proven to be unsuitable for other waters and has experienced problems with the fuel tank, and water getting in to the engines, and the collar which can only be replaced by the manufacturer. It has been determined that this is too costly and the decision has been made to dispose of the vessel by auction and the funds derived be used to purchase replacement engines.

Computer Equipment
Computer equipment and field equipment in most cases are outdated and need to be replaced. In some islands, there are frequent power surges and UPS's purchased in the U.S. are not suitable. So UPS' have to be purchased locally and are very expensive.

Document: Southern Partnership Station Returns to Barbados

Program: Exercises

High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) returned here Sunday to begin a 10-day training mission and complete the Barbados portion of during Southern Partnership Station (SPS).

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus. The mission goal is primarily information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region. SPS is comprised of Navy training and support teams, Marine Corps training teams, foreign naval officers and civilian contract mariners on a Military Sealift Command platform.

Training teams from Navy Expeditionary Training Command, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group began their courses Monday with 127 students from the Royal Barbados Defense Forces and member nations of the Regional Security System (which includes Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines). The courses provide instruction in waterborne security, port security, leadership, instructor training, generator maintenance, search and rescue planning, combat patrol and urban raid tactics.

Document: U.S. Coast Guard Provides Training for Caribbean Security Partners

Program: Exercises

U.S. Coast Guardsmen from District 7, Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment, provided instruction in compliant and non-compliant boarding to service members from the Royal Bahamas, St. Vincent and Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Haiti, Trinidad-Tobago, Belize, Barbados and the Dominican Republic Defence Forces at Royal Bahamas Defence Force Base in Coral Harbour, March 6 - 8, during Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

As part of Tradewinds’ goal to increase maritime security, the compliant and non-compliant boarding training will help to ensure partner nations are able to execute the necessary measures when called upon to board a vessel, with the appropriate use of force, to prevent illegal trafficking.

"The focus of this year´s activities on maritime interdiction is critical and timely, and is in line with our determination that every effort should be made to prevent a significant upsurge in drug trafficking in the Caribbean region," said Bahamas National Security Minister O. A. "Tommy" Turnquest, in the opening ceremonies of the event March 4.
...
If the suspect vessel’s occupants become aggressive and show resistance to the service members, but were still not attacking them, the students were shown techniques such as pressure points and handcuffing procedures to detain the suspect.
...
If the situation escalates and the occupants become violent or aggressive toward the service member attempting to detain them, the aggressor would at that point be classified as non-compliant.
...
Partner nation service members were instructed in escalation of force and how to properly evaluate when an occupant is non-compliant and keep control of the situation, with the correct course of action.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.

Document: Southern Partnership Station Naval Deployment Begins

Program: Exercises

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission’s primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.

Military training teams and subject matter experts embarked on Swift will provide partner nations with classroom and hands-on training in a variety of subjects.

The ship is scheduled to visit El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados and Colombia.

Members of the Navy Expeditionary Training Command will provide instruction in small boat operations, maintenance and repair, boarding techniques, armed sentry, search and rescue, combat lifesaving, leadership principles for junior and senior partner nation enlisted service members, and instructor training.

The Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group will advise partner nation servicemembers on a variety of different topics including marksmanship, martial arts, and non-lethal weapons tactics.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service Security Training and Assessment Team will provide port security instruction and advice.

Information systems technicians will help install and instruct partner nation servicemembers on the use of Integrated Automatic Identification Systems (IAIS). IAIS is a computer based vessel identification program that provides ports and other ships with real-time location and information on friendly vessels within their region.

Document: Joint Task Force-Bravo deploys in support of regional disaster relief exercise

Program: Exercises

A forward deployed team of more than 20 Joint Task Force-Bravo Soldiers and Airmen set up shop here May 4 to support a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies from throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Designated Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, the U.S. Southern Command and Salvadoran Ministry of Defense-sponsored exercise runs May 5-15 and brings together experts in all aspects of disaster planning and operations.

The annual exercise’s planners seek regional cooperation in disaster planning and response by allowing participants to test their abilities to render mutual aid between countries, just as they may be called to do in a disaster situation under mutual assistance agreements.

The disaster relief portion of the exercise involves various military and civilian management agencies from Central America and the Caribbean Basin.

“Disaster relief is what we’re normally expected to do in Central America—it’s our bread and butter—and we’re here to help provide assessment to U.S. Southern Command and other assessment teams,” said Army Col. Marcus DeOliveira, JTF-Bravo commander.

Although the exercise scenario is built around a devastating earthquake, Colonel DeOliveira said the exercise is a primer for the upcoming hurricane season.

“When disaster strikes, we’re in coordination with country teams and governments as they begin coordinating and providing assistance,” he said, “this exercise is a great opportunity for JTF-Bravo to partner with U.S. Army South and other participating nations to work through our processes.”

Countries participating in this year’s exercise include: Antigua/Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Upon setting up operations at a Salvadoran Air Force facility, the JTF-Bravo team initialized communications with exercise officials and began preparing for the three-day-long disaster scenario. Upon notification, the team will begin accepting follow-on forces called upon to assist with disaster relief operations.

JTF-Bravo’s participation in the disaster relief portion of the exercise revolves around casualty evacuation and medical care, and more JTF-Bravo personnel are due to arrive to support operations as needed.

“We have 19 JTF-Bravo medical element personnel arriving this week to conduct a general medical readiness exercise at a remote village near Comas Aguas, El Salvador,” said Air Force Capt. Jennifer Martinez, MEDEL operations officer.

“Participating in this exercise allows our medical personnel to refine our disaster response communications and coordination process with our host nation partners which is vital to joint medical response during natural disasters.”

The casualty evacuation operations involving JTF-Bravo’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters will occur as requests come from the exercise officials.

Following the disaster exercise, participating countries representatives will convene in San Salvador May 11-15 for an after-action review followed by subject matter expert presentations and a trade exposition.