USS Gravely Highlights T&T/US Humanitarian and Security Ties

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Caption: (FILES) The US Navy warship USS Sampson (DDG 102) docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City on August 30, 2025.

THE United States Embassy in Port of Spain says the visit of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely to Trinidad and Tobago underscores a longstanding security and humanitarian partnership between both countries, following a series of joint exercises and missions in 2025.

“The partnership between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago exemplifies regional strength through collaboration,” U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement. She cited joint efforts to counter transnational crime and bolster resilience “through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts,” adding that cooperation with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has “improved lives and strengthened communities” across the Caribbean.

The embassy noted that the Gravely’s port call follows several recent engagements:

From August 5–11, the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) visited Trinidad and Tobago as the final stop of the Continuing Promise 2025 mission. Working with the Ministry of Health, medical teams provided free adult and pediatric care, dental and optometry services, physical therapy, dermatology, and performed more than 80 surgeries on board at no cost.
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sponsored the 40th iteration of the Tradewinds exercise, co-hosted by the TTDF and U.S. Army South from April 26 to May 8. The annual exercise brought together over 1,300 military and security personnel from 24 nations to train for countering transnational organised crime, humanitarian assistance, and natural disaster response.

Neidhart de Ortiz thanked the TTDF and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for their “close collaboration” and “warm welcome,” saying the joint activities contribute to “greater safety and stability across the Caribbean region.”