For the first time, Dutch marines are training together with Colombian colleagues on Colombian soil.
The joint military exercise in Turbo lasts three weeks and focuses on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging operational knowledge and experience.
Various scenarios are trained during the exercise, including river operations, amphibious operations and coastal operations.
These are crucial skills within the Marine domain. By training together in the challenging training areas of Colombia, the units increase their deployability under various circumstances. In addition to the Marines, support ship HNLMS Pelikaan also participates in the exercise. For example, she participates in maritime exercises at sea and provides transport for the equipment and the units.
“This training offers a unique opportunity to learn from each other,” says Major Rik, commander of the Marine Squadron Carib.
“We combine our knowledge, improve each other’s skills and build mutual trust.”
The Colombian side is also positive about the cooperation and the exercise.
The exercise is a concrete step in the military partnership between the Netherlands and Colombia. A valuable step in the cooperation in the field of security, training and operational readiness. This ensures the delivery of peace and security in the Caribbean Region.