Tradewinds 2023: Soldiers enhance fast-roping skills, gain experience with US Black Hawk helicopter

In a display of skill and cooperation, soldiers from various nations participating in Exercise Tradewinds 2023 in Guyana have undergone comprehensive training in the art of fast-roping, while also gaining invaluable experience working with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter.
With over 1500 soldiers hailing from more than 21 countries, this multinational military exercise aims to enhance airborne military operations, forge strong regional partnerships, and strengthen the participants’ capacity to respond effectively to regional crises and security threats.
Taking place across various locations in Guyana from July 15 to 28, Tradewinds 2023 serves as a prominent platform for fostering collaboration and promoting human rights within the military realm.
During the exercise, the soldiers, particularly those attached to the Special Force Unit, showcased their proficiency in fast-roping techniques. The art of fast-roping involves descending structures and helicopters using nothing but hands and feet, enabling soldiers to swiftly and efficiently reach areas where helicopters cannot safely land.

By mastering this technique, the soldiers will enhance their ability to execute search and rescue missions, especially crucial for countries like Saint Lucia, prone to hurricane-related emergencies.
Constable Rubinia Joseph, a member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, expressed her gratitude for the training, highlighting its vital role in her career and the efficiency of executing duties in her hurricane-prone nation.

“…our country is hurricane built and every year we have to go through search and rescue missions and I think that skill is one that is paramount to us being able to execute our duties…a little bit more efficiently,” she said.
Another participating soldier, Woman Marine Kameisha Brown from The Bahamas Defence Force, described her first experience with fast-roping as initially nerve-wracking but ultimately exciting.

“This is truly an amazing experience to know that I am one of a few who get to experience these types of environments and training,” she expressed.
Although not a commonly employed technique in her home country, Brown emphasised the value of acquiring this skill and the opportunity to share experiences with soldiers from different nations.
In addition to the intensive fast-roping training, the soldiers were given a unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter, renowned for its pivotal role in tactical operations.

This versatile aircraft has the capability to transport up to 11 troops and 5000 tonnes at a time, providing essential logistical support to military forces.
Travis Kittleson, a member of the US Army, explained that the Black Hawk would not only assist the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) during the exercise but also serve as a crucial asset for medical evacuation.
With a medic on board, the Black Hawk can swiftly evacuate casualties, significantly reducing the time taken for transportation to hospitals compared to conventional road methods. Kittleson’s insights highlight the importance of integrating advanced technology and resources to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of military operations.
“The way we are going to use this in rescuing, we will have a medic on board the aircraft…if there is a casualty in any of the training exercises or at any point of this exercise that we need to evacuate to the hospital, we will land, our medex will get out and assist in evaluating the casualty on the ground,” Kittleson explained.
“Once we get them on the aircraft, it takes us roughly 20 to 30 minutes to fly from any of the landing areas or training sites to get that casualty back to the hospital…it’s about six hours on the road to get anywhere,” he said.
Exercise Tradewinds 2023, with its focus on fostering partnerships, promoting human rights, and enhancing training capacities, plays a vital role in strengthening regional security and crisis response capabilities.
The soldiers’ rigorous training in fast-roping techniques and their firsthand experience with the US Army Black Hawk helicopter underscore the commitment and dedication of the participating nations to work together in addressing common challenges.
Through skill sharing and collaboration, Tradewinds 2023 serves as a testament to the collective efforts of nations striving to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and the Region as a whole. (G9)