PHILIPSBURG – As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, Marines stationed in Sint Maarten have been sharpening their disaster-response skills through participation in Caraïbes 2026, a large-scale international exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and emergency relief operations.
The biennial exercise, organized by France, brings together military units and emergency-response partners from across the Caribbean to improve regional preparedness for natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
During the second phase of the exercise, the Marine detachment from Sint Maarten took part in a realistic disaster scenario in which a powerful hurricane had devastated the French side of the island. Working alongside French and Colombian military personnel, the Marines conducted search-and-rescue operations, located simulated survivors, and evacuated them to safe areas.
The exercise involved the deployment of Fast Raiding, Interception and Special Forces Craft (FRISC) boats as well as a French military helicopter to transport injured victims quickly and safely from affected areas.
According to organizers, the operation highlighted the importance of international cooperation during disaster situations. Military units from different countries shared information, coordinated transport operations, and worked together to provide care for simulated casualties throughout the exercise.
Caraïbes is held every two years and serves as a platform for Caribbean nations and regional partners to strengthen their readiness for hurricanes, natural disasters, and other humanitarian emergencies. The exercise provides participants with a realistic environment in which they can test procedures, improve coordination, and exchange expertise.
The training comes as Caribbean countries enter the annual hurricane season, which officially began on June 1 and runs through November 30. Although Curaçao and the other ABC islands are located outside the main hurricane belt, regional authorities and emergency services continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness and cooperation in responding to potential disasters throughout the Caribbean.
Military officials said exercises such as Caraïbes help ensure that response teams are better equipped to provide rapid assistance when hurricanes or other emergencies affect communities across the region.