Defense on Aruba is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Military forces that protect Aruba include the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Netherlands Marine Corps and the Netherlands Coastguard. There is also a small indigenous “ArubaanseMilitie” (ARUMIL) of about platoon strength. All forces are stationed at Marines Barracks Savaneta. Here are some activities that have been happening lately with the marines.
The Governor of Aruba, his Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt, brought a working visit on to the Savaneta Marine Barracks (MSKSAV) as part of an inauguration ceremony in which eight soldiers took their oath and pledged in front of their relatives as the last step to officially join the ARUMIL. Prior to this moment, the military followed a six-month training in Curaçao. After their successful completion last March, they received their caps. After a short further training in Aruba they completed the process with the swearing-in. By taking the oath of affirmation the military sworn allegiance to the King, obedience to the laws and submission to the military discipline. After the ceremony, Governor Boekhoudt spoke briefly with the sworn in soldiers, after which he was escorted to the A-1 for departure from the barracks.
His Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt together with LTKOLMARNS Art van Beekhuizen, Commander of the Savaneta Marine Barracks, issued a Royal Decree (KB) to two Aruban marines, Richard F. Kelly and Daniel M. Vrolijk.
Richard F. Kelly received his Royal Decree as part of his promotion to the military personnel of Aruba, from First Lieutenant of the Marines of Aruba (ELNTMARNAR), to Captain of the Marines of Aruba (KAPTMARNAR).
Daniel M. Vrolijk also received his decree as part of his appointment as an officer in the military personnel of Aruba in the rank of Second Lieutenant of the Marines of Aruba (TLNTMARNAR).
After the official presentation, the Governor of Aruba held an audience with Mr. Van Beekhuizen. During the audience, Governor Boekhoudt was informed about various subjects, including the trajectory Professionalization Caribbean Militia and the Social Training trajectory.
