PHILIPSBURG:--- Defense Caribbean Region, during the forthcoming two weeks, will hold a hurricane emergency relief exercise on Saint Marten and Saba. During this exercise, with the name ‘Windward Express’, soldiers will train together with local security partners to increase their preparedness and strengthen cooperation, with the aim of ensuring that the military can be deployed quickly and effectively after the passage of a hurricane.
Several units from Defense will participate in ‘Windward Express,’ including Marines from the Detachment Saint Marten, Marines from Marine Squadron Carib Aruba, and soldiers from Curaçao. Also, the Marine Ship HLNMS Pelikaan, boat groups with their FRISC boats, and other supporting units are part of the hurricane emergency relief exercise.
After arriving at Saint Marten, the units perform exercises on a rotational basis on both Saint Marten and Saba. These activities help the military become familiar with the specific conditions on the islands and collaborate with local partners, such as government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and companies that play a crucial role in emergency response.
By performing a practice exercise called ‘Windward Express’ on the Windward Islands, the military is optimally prepared to provide emergency aid, support civil authorities, and maintain public order immediately after the storm's passage in the event of an actual hurricane threat.
