View of the ceremony
Symbolic paddle transfer
WILLEMSTAD--On Monday, July 13, the Dutch Defence Ministry’s Rotation 51 company handed over its duties to Rotation 52 during a military ceremony in Curaçao. Captain Luc assumed command from Captain Marnix during the traditional paddle handover ceremony. The unit will train and operate in the region over the next six months.
After nearly five months in the Caribbean, Marnix looked back with pride on the development of the Bravo/Stier Company. During this period, the unit conducted extensive training in 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 the Caribbean military personnel (CarMil) and other units under the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean. Despite differences in background and working methods, they trained together and worked towards ensuring security and stability in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The Delta/Ratel Company of the 44th Armoured Infantry Battalion (Prince 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 Mechanised 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 the Caribbean Navy Commander, the unit works on its own training programme. 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 naval command and will be training on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao over the coming months.
