PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, November 4th, 2013 the Coast Guard helicopter AW139 arrived in Sint Maarten. This is the first time the helicopter is temporarily stationed on Sint Maarten since the introduction of the helicopter in 2011. The home base of this helicopter is the Coast Guard substation Hato in Curacao. This is where the helicopter gets its maintenance and where the other airplanes of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard are stationed. To emphasize the importance of a Coast Guard helicopter in Sint Maarten, the AW139 was welcomed by the Minister of Justice, D. Richardson and a delegation of the Coast Guard substation. The helicopter will conduct duties in counter drug operations, counter human trafficking operations, and also police duties like the control of shipping and fishery. The crew will also be ready for search and rescue-tasking. All duties will be conducted in cooperation with the services of Sint Maarten and international partners.
Press Release from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard