SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - On Monday, July 13, 2026, Defense’s Rotation 51 company handed over its duties to Rotation 52 during a military ceremony on Curaçao. Captain Luc assumed command from Captain Marnix during the traditional paddle handover ceremony. The unit will train and operate in the Caribbean region over the next six months.
Looking back on an intensive period
After nearly five months in the Caribbean, Captain Marnix looks back with pride on the development of the Bravo/Stier Company. During this period, the unit conducted extensive training on Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba, as well as in the United States. The soldiers worked on their physical and mental development, leadership, and military skills.
Through various exercises, the company made strides in its performance as a combat unit. The platoons executed multiple missions, supported by assets such as snipers, mortar squad, and unmanned systems. These training activities contributed to the soldiers' continued development and the unit's operational readiness.
The company also collaborated with Caribbean military personnel (CARMIL) and other units under the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean (CZMCARIB). Despite differences in background and working methods, they trained together and worked towards ensuring security and stability in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
New company begins deployment in the Caribbean
The Delta/Ratel Company of the 44th Armored Infantry Battalion (Prins Johan Willem Friso Infantry Regiment) is participating in a Caribbean rotation for the first time. Captain Luc looks forward to the upcoming period and the opportunities for his unit to train in a different climate and terrain.
The company is part of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade based in Havelte. The unit normally operates using the Fennek wheeled vehicle. During its deployment in the Caribbean, however, the emphasis is primarily on operations on foot.
The company is reinforced with medical capabilities from the 43rd Medical Company and specialist capabilities from the 11th Armoured Engineer Battalion.
In addition to carrying out missions for CZMCARIB, the unit works on its own training program. The goal is to further enhance operational readiness and prepare for future deployments.
The Royal Netherlands Army maintains a permanent company presence in the Caribbean. Starting with rotation 2026-2, a deployment will last six months. This reduces the logistical burden and allows the unit more time to collaborate with local partners and gain a better understanding of the local environment.
The company can be deployed for various tasks under the command of CZMCARIB and will be training on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao over the coming months.
