Over the next three weeks, 184 Dutch soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Army are training in Curaçao and Aruba as part of the annual ‘Caribbean Engineer’ exercise. Personnel from the 103rd Construction Company (part of the 101st Engineer Battalion) are working on their technical skills in tropical conditions and executing various tasks at Ministry of Defence sites and for the local community.
For the combat engineers, this annual exercise offers an opportunity to practice their skills under challenging climate conditions.
Work in Curaçao During the exercise, the soldiers are working on a variety of technical projects. In Curaçao, they are expanding the vehicle shelter at the Parera Naval Base. They are also leveling the parking areas at the Brakkeput Water Sports Association and improving the two main roads at the Wacawa training grounds. Additionally, the soldiers are installing solar panels on the roof of Forward Operating Base Maduro, also located at Wacawa.
Part of the exercise is also dedicated to the local community. The soldiers are carrying out various tasks at the Betesda care and treatment center for the elderly, such as replacing sanitary fixtures and light fixtures, and upgrading electrical installations.
Work in Aruba In Aruba, operating from the Savaneta Marines Barracks, the combat engineers are executing different tasks at the training village, thereby optimizing the training facilities.
The soldiers are using a range of heavy machinery for these tasks. Over the coming weeks, they will be seen operating loaders, trucks, excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and roller compactors. The use of this equipment enables them to perform extensive operations.
The ‘Caribbean Engineer’ exercise allows combat engineers to maintain their technical proficiency. At the same time, their activities contribute to defence sites, training facilities, and the local community.