WILLEMSTAD - Commander Captain Martijn Huis in 't Veld has relieved his predecessor Major Rian van der Meer by means of a traditional paddle transfer. Reports the Ministry of Defense.
In ’t Veld, of the Compagnie in de West 41, will stay in the Caribbean for four months. This company, the 'Alfa Java Company', is no stranger to the region. In 2017, the commander captain provided assistance in Sint Maarten with the Land Forces Company before, during, and after Hurricane Irma.
Van der Meer says goodbye and looks back on a special period: “We had a fantastic time here as a unit. We were able to do what we came for and feel very welcome in this special part of our Kingdom.” In addition to training, the departing unit has also provided a number of supports to local authorities in recent months. Supporting civil authorities is one of the main tasks for Defense in the Caribbean.
In 't Veld is looking forward to training with his people in the Caribbean: “The 'Java' Company is honored to be a guest in Curaçao. We look forward to providing support and assistance where needed with our 'Can Do' mentality.”
The Company in the West is a permanent unit of the Royal Netherlands Army in the Caribbean. The intention is that the unit will train for the next four months in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.