WILLEMSTAD: ---- Over the next three weeks, 184 Dutch soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army are training in Curaçao and Aruba as part of the annual 'Caribbean Engineer' exercise. Personnel from the 103 Construction Company (part of the 101 Engineer Battalion) are honing their technical skills in tropical conditions and carrying out various tasks on Ministry of Defense sites and for the local community.
For the combat engineers, this annual exercise offers an opportunity to practice their competence under challenging climatic conditions.
Work in Curaçao
During the exercise, the soldiers are working on a variety of technical projects. In Curaçao, they are expanding the vehicle shelter at Naval Base Parera. They are also leveling parking areas at the Brakkeput Watersports Association and improving the two main roads at the Wacawa training grounds. Additionally, the soldiers are installing solar panels on the roof of Forward Operating Base Maduro, also located at Wacawa.
Part of the exercise also benefits the local community. The soldiers are carrying out various tasks at the Betesda care and treatment center for the elderly, such as replacing sanitary fixtures and light fittings and upgrading electrical systems.
Work in Aruba
In Aruba, operating from the Savaneta Marine Barracks, the combat engineers are carrying out various tasks at the training village to optimize the training facilities.
The soldiers are using a range of heavy machinery for these tasks; over the coming weeks, they will operate shovels, trucks, excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and vibratory rollers. This equipment allows them to carry out extensive operations.
The 'Caribbean Engineer' exercise enables the combat engineers to maintain their technical proficiency. At the same time, their activities contribute to defense sites, training facilities, and the local community.
