Over the next two weeks, Defense in the Caribbean region will train its emergency relief capabilities during the annual hurricane exercise ‘Calm Horizon.’ Military personnel will train alongside local security partners in Saint Martin and Saba to improve joint preparedness for potential hurricanes and further strengthen cooperation during crisis situations.
Several Defense units will be deployed during the exercise, including the naval ship Zr.Ms. Pelikaan, FRISC boats, and military personnel from Curacao (CURMIL) and Aruba (ARUMIL). The units will be deployed to both islands on a rotating basis, executing a variety of scenarios focused on hurricane relief efforts.
A key component of ‘Calm Horizon’ is strengthening cooperation with local partners. Military personnel work together with government agencies, aid organizations, and private sector companies involved in the planning and execution of emergency assistance. Joint training allows for the alignment of procedures and a deeper understanding of the local environment. The exercise ensures that Defense can act quickly in the event of a hurricane hitting the islands. After a severe storm, military personnel can be deployed to provide emergency assistance, support civil authorities, and help maintain security and public order.
Supporting the community during natural disasters is one of the main tasks of Defense in the Caribbean region. Through exercises like ‘Calm Horizon,’ Defense maintains the necessary capabilities and alliances to provide the best possible support to the island residents in the event of a real crisis.