DELAWARE
Trinidad Defence Force,” Emerson said. “We have had amazing opportunities with our medical and maintenance folks from here, and have had great discussions. They are sharing their best practices with us and making us a better force because of it.” Ambassador Candace Bond emphasized the significance of these joint efforts, stating: “This training with our partner nation underscores the deep partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago, built on mutual respect and shared regional interests. It is extremely beneficial to the participants who exchange expertise and ideas, enabling us to enhance our mutual capacity to conduct security operations.” Ambassador Bond further highlighted the broader importance of the collaboration, noting that “Our close military-to-military cooperation, and particularly this interoperability training, once again demonstrates that the United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s closest friend and partner in the world.” This year’s training marks the 20th anniversary of the Dela- ware and Trinidad and Tobago partnership under the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. In 2022, the partnership was recognized globally, winning Partnership of the Year as the top collaboration in the world. Established in 1993, the SPP links U.S. states with foreign nations, promoting military cooperation, readiness, and mutual development. Today, there are 100 such partnerships, fostering connections across the globe. The Delaware National Guard remains committed to strength- ening its ties with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, continuing to build on its legacy of cooperation, security, and shared success.
Delaware National Guard Strengthens Aviation
Interoperability with Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard Through State Partnership Program
By Maj. Bernie Kale Delaware National Guard | OCT. 23, 2024
NEW CASTLE, Del., NEW CASTLE, Del. – The Delaware National Guard’s Army Aviation units recently conducted joint training with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) as part of the long-standing State Partnership Pro- gram (SPP). This training, which took place from April 28 to May 15, involved the use of three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and approximately 40 aircrew and support personnel. Soldiers from Delaware’s Army Aviation units and the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard trained side by side, sharing expertise in planning and executing air operations, while also enhancing maintenance practices. The training provided participants with the opportunity to fly to- gether on Blackhawk helicopters across urban and rural regions of Trinidad and Tobago. These joint exercises are designed to improve aviation interoperability and further strengthen the bond between the Delaware National Guard and the TTDF, marking another successful collaboration in their 20-year part- nership. “I can’t speak highly enough of the men and women in the
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