Willemstad;--- During a military ceremony on Friday morning, February 28, 2025, company rotation 47 handed over her tasks to the next unit, rotation 48. The new Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kjell from Schaarsbergen, took over command from his predecessor, Major Jan, during a traditional paddle transfer.
After four intensive months in the Caribbean Region, Major Jan looks back with pride on the cooperation and training of the Delta “DJOKJA” company. “It was a unique opportunity to train with our heavy weapons unit in this tropical climate and to work together with CZMCARIB and local partners. We learned a lot about operating in the challenging conditions of the Caribbean and how to adapt in a new environment.”
A highlight of this period was the Caribbean DJOKJA exercise. During this exercise all the skills of the company came together in the special environment of the Caribbean. Carrying out maneuvers all over the island, the support and integration of technical innovations, and the challenges of Curaçao's climate and terrain made it a very valuable experience. Major Jan emphasized the value of cooperation in the region. “It is clear that we cannot carry out our tasks alone. The support and cooperation with the Curaçao military and local security partners are invaluable. The support of the population was also of great importance. I am very grateful for the space we were given to carry out our training. It was special to see how, despite differences in background and working methods, we could jointly contribute to safety and stability. This period has not only strengthened our operational capabilities, but also the ties with our partners in the Caribbean.”
Lieutenant Colonel Kjell looks forward to training and working with 11 Engineer Company in the Caribbean over the next four months. “The company provides engineering combat support to the Air Mobile Brigade. It does this in the interests of the Netherlands worldwide, under all circumstances, from the air and on the ground. Within the Red Berets, the unit is an expert in terrain conditioning and specialized in explosives control and the use of explosives. Normally the company provides one engineer group per rotation to an infantry company. Now she will have the opportunity to carry out tasks in the Caribbean as a unit. This is special and a unique opportunity for the company. Firstly, because we bring unique capabilities and resources that can be of great value if our help or assistance is requested in the region. Secondly, it is a unique opportunity for us to train and experiment in the tropical climate of the Caribbean. I expect that we are going to have a very interesting period, and I hope that we can make it a beautiful and meaningful time together with our local partners.”
The Royal Netherlands Army has a permanent company in the Caribbean. This unit, commanded by CZMCARIB, can be deployed for a variety of tasks. Over the next four months the company will train in Aruba, Bonaire as well as in Curaçao
