Willemstad – Defense Rotation Company 51 handed over its duties to Rotation 52 during a military ceremony on Curaçao on Monday, July 13, 2026. Captain Luc assumed command from Captain Marnix during the traditional paddle handover. The unit will train and operate in the Caribbean for 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. Over the past period, the unit has trained extensively on Curaçao, Bonaire, Aruba, and in the United States. During this time, the soldiers worked on their physical and mental development, leadership, and military skills.
During various exercises, the company made progress in operating as a combat unit. The platoons carried out multiple missions, supported by snipers, a mortar group, and unmanned systems, among others. These training exercises contributed to the further development of the soldiers and the readiness of the unit.
The company also collaborated with the Caribbean military (CARMIL) and other units of the Commander of the Naval Forces in the Caribbean (CZMCARIB). Despite differences in background and working methods, they trained and worked jointly on security and stability in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
New company starts in the West
The Delta/Ratel Company of the 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, Prince Johan Willem Friso Infantry Regiment, is participating in a rotation in the Caribbean for the first time. Captain Luc looks forward to the upcoming period and the opportunities to train with his unit in a different climate and terrain.
The company is part of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade from Havelte. The unit normally operates with the Fennek wheeled vehicle. During the deployment in the Caribbean, the emphasis is primarily on foot operations. The company is reinforced with medical capacity from the 43rd Medical Company and specialist capacity from the 11th Armoured Engineer Battalion.
In addition to carrying out assignments for CZMCARIB, the unit is working on its own training program. The goal is to further increase operational readiness and prepare for future deployment.
The Royal Netherlands Army maintains a permanent company in the Caribbean. Starting with rotation 2026-2, deployments last six months. This reduces the logistical burden and gives the unit more time to collaborate with local partners and get to know the environment better. The company can be deployed for various tasks under the command of CZMCARIB and will train on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao in the coming months.