PHILIPSBURG--The first batch of military personnel goes back to the Netherlands today, Saturday. Eighteen Marines of the Rotating Land Force Company, 107 members of the Marine Spearhead Task Unit, 18 members of the Air Force Hercules team, some medical specialists and Marechaussees make up the group leaving.
They will land at Eindhoven Air Base and will be welcomed by Naval Forces Commander Vice Admiral Rob Kramer and Deputy Director of Operations Commodore Jan Willem Westerbeek.
Immediately after the passing of the devastating Hurricane Irma, additional units, food and water were required. Because Hurricane José came along, there was a small window of opportunity during which the units were deployed and completed the supply.
The soldiers supported the local authorities in maintaining public order, among other things by monitoring the prison, setting up checkpoints and patrolling the streets. They also took care of the security of the port. During the passage of Hurricane Maria, the third hurricane in two weeks, soldiers supported in maintaining public order in the shelters and prevent looting.
“They did well in St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. In addition to the military airlift made between Curaçao and Sint Maarten so patients and tourists were evacuated, they brought relief,” according to the marines.
“St. Maarten’s normal life slowly is getting going, the police have again assumed the maintenance of public order and safety. Arriving this weekend is the ship Zr. Ms. Karel Doorman with supplies such as drinking water, food, construction vehicles, communications towers, police vehicles and building materials for reconstruction.”
