During a military ceremony on Monday morning, June 30th, 2025, Company Rotation 48 officially handed over its duties to Company Rotation 49. The transfer of command took place through the traditional passing of the paddle, with Major Marco Kamphorst from Havelte assuming leadership from Lieutenant Colonel Kjell Koster.
Lieutenant Colonel Koster reflected with pride on the past four months in the Caribbean, where his unit, Engineer Company 11, carried out intensive training and close cooperation with local partners.
“For our unit, it was a unique opportunity to train in a tropical climate and work together with CZMCARIB and local organizations,” Koster explained. “We gained valuable experience operating under the challenging conditions of the Caribbean. During our rotation, we developed our technical and tactical engineering skills to the fullest. On Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba, our platoons laid a solid foundation in general military skills, as well as specialized areas such as Airfield Damage Repair, working with explosives, and engineering techniques related to mobility and counter-mobility.”
Koster also highlighted the cooperation with local and regional partners. “Beyond working on our own readiness, we trained with the military on Curaçao, CZMCARIB units, and local security partners. For example, our engineers supported operations on Sint Maarten after a fire at the prison, working with local authorities and the Marine detachment stationed there. It was inspiring to see how, despite different backgrounds and methods, we could come together to contribute to security and stability. This rotation has strengthened not only our operational capabilities but also our partnerships in the Caribbean.”
Major Marco Kamphorst looks forward to the coming four months with his unit, Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron 43 (BVE). The squadron has been reinforced with an engineer reconnaissance platoon from the 11th Armored Engineer Battalion and a medical detachment from Medical Company 43.
Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron 43 is known for its flexible global deployments. Its tasks include reconnaissance and surveillance missions, as well as neutralizing enemy High Payoff Targets through ground-based fire support. They operate using ground reconnaissance—both on foot and mounted—and regularly make use of unmanned systems and drones. While they normally serve with the 43rd Mechanized Brigade in Havelte, they will now have the opportunity to carry out their tasks in the Caribbean.
“This is a special chance for us,” said Major Kamphorst. “Our squadron brings unique skills and equipment that can add value in the region if our help is needed. It is also a unique opportunity to train and experiment in the tropical climate of the Caribbean. I expect an interesting and rewarding period ahead, and I hope we can create a positive and meaningful experience together with our local partners.”
The Royal Netherlands Army maintains a permanent company in the Caribbean under the command of CZMCARIB. Over the next four months, the company will continue training in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
