On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Major of the Marines Niels Houtenbos officially assumed command of the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, succeeding Major of the Marines Arie Noordam. The ceremonial handover took place aboard the HNLMS Holland, attended by dignitaries including Sint Maarten’s Governor Ajamu Baly, President of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, and Prime Minister Luc Mercelina.
Major Houtenbos aims to maintain the operational readiness established by his predecessor. He is dedicated to ensuring the detachment remains prepared for rapid deployment whenever requested, focusing on the Caribbean region, particularly the Windward Islands. Additionally, he will oversee the planning and preparation of a new Support Center for the detachment.
Outgoing commander Major Noordam reflected on his tenure, describing it as a unique period. “Over the past few years, we’ve provided military assistance during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Tropical Storm Fiona in 2022, Hurricane Tammy in 2023, and the elections last summer,” he said. “We also participated in international exercises, including Caribbean Urban Warrior (USA), Eagle Eye (Saba and Statia), and Liamiuga (St. Kitts & Nevis).”
The Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, a Defense unit in the Caribbean, comprises 29 personnel, primarily marines. It includes a Raiding Section, a boat group, and staff and support teams, playing a vital role in regional security and emergency response efforts.
