The Marine detachment on Saint Marten is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the unit’s growth and dedication since its founding in 2014. The Marine Detachment is a unit which resorts under the Commander of the Navy in the Dutch Caribbean Region. After he Independence of Saint Marten since 10-10-10, then Governor Holiday and Minister of Defense Hans Hillen requested a permanent military presence for ensuring peace and security on the Windward Islands, Saba, St. Eustatius and Saint Marten.
What started as a rotating unit of 4 months, has later grown to permanent postings for 3 to 5 years, ensuring a stable and long-term military presence on the island. The 10th year’s existence of the Marines detachment on Saint Marten, marks a period not only of operational deployment but also of collaboration and partnership with local security partners and the community. The Marines have deployed for various humanitarian missions such as emergency relief after Hurricane Irma and during COVID-19. Herewith the detachment renders a valuable contribution to the well-being of the residents of Saint Marten.
In the coming years, hard work will be done on a completely new support point that should be completed in 2026. This will be the home of both the marines and military police who also work on the island.
Commander of the Marine detachment Arie Noordam together with a Corporal look back on the past period and the work on Saint Marten. Read the whole interview via this link: https://magazines.defensie.nl/defensiekrant/2024/04/01_mariniers-sint-maarten_04
