WILLEMSTAD - A new Dutch Army company has officially taken command of military operations in the Caribbean. Captain Roderik Willems succeeds Major Marco Kamphorst as commander of the unit that will be stationed across Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba for the next four months.

During the previous rotation, soldiers trained extensively on all three islands, focusing on a wide range of skills — from surveillance and security operations to the use of drones — and collaborated closely with local security partners.

“Tiger” Company Begins Its Fifth Caribbean Mission

The incoming “Tiger” Company marks its fifth deployment to the region, bringing fresh personnel and new energy to the mission. Captain Willems expressed enthusiasm about the coming months, emphasizing that the assignment offers valuable operational experience and fosters cooperation within the Kingdom.

Although the unit specializes in airborne operations, its focus in the Caribbean will be on-ground training and joint exercises with local law enforcement and emergency response teams. The company is supported by medical staff and drone specialists, enhancing both its tactical and humanitarian capabilities.

Training and Cooperation in Tropical Conditions

The Caribbean’s challenging tropical climate provides ideal conditions for field training and adaptation. Captain Willems said he looks forward to deepening collaboration with partners on the islands.

“This mission is not only about training — it’s about building lasting partnerships and readiness to respond together when needed,” he stated.

The Netherlands maintains a permanent land forces presence in the Caribbean as part of its Kingdom responsibilities. The stationed unit can be deployed for a variety of tasks, including disaster relief, border security, and crisis response. Over the coming months, the “Tiger” Company will continue intensive exercises and cooperation efforts across Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba.