Saturday, March 17, 2007

The Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruis Marine Warship Provided An Open House to Bonaire’s Residents

On Wednesday morning, March 14, 2007, the Dutch Marine warship, Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruise arrived in the Port of Kralendijk.  At a request by Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, Herbert Domacasse, the captain of the ship, Kapitein-Luitenant Ter Zee Oscar G.H. van Lent, agreed to provide an open house of the naval ship to Bonaire’s residents on Friday, March 16th from 1:00 PM through 4:00 PM.

Many of Bonaire’s residents, including school classes, took advantage of this offer, and toured the warship.  For security reasons, no cameras or handbags were allowed on the vessel, but visitors could walk around the deck of the ship where marines were stationed to answer any questions, as well as climb to the flight deck where the helicopter pad was located.

The goal of this visit of the marine warship in the region is to become better acquainted with all the islands in the Dutch Caribbean, as this is the first time the vessel and its crew has been stationed in this area.

Since the defense of the ABC islands is the responsibility of the Dutch armed forces, one frigate, at least two maritime patrol aircraft, and part of the third infantry battalion of the Marine Corps are permanently stationed in the Caribbean.  Additionally, the operational command of the Coastguard in the Caribbean area is also in the hands of the Royal Netherlands Navy.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)