SAVANETA, Aruba – Lieutenant Colonel Henk Buijs of the Royal Netherlands Navy has officially assumed command of Marinierskazerne Savaneta, succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Tim van Wijk during a military change-of-command ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by Aruba Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt, Prime Minister Mike Eman, Commander Walter Hansen of the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean, government officials, defense representatives, international partners and invited guests.
Van Wijk reflected on his four years as commander, highlighting the development of Marinierskazerne Savaneta as the home base of the Marine Squadron Caribbean and its growing cooperation with Aruba and other Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.
As the new commander, Buijs said he will focus on strengthening operational readiness, expanding cooperation with security partners and preparing the unit for future missions while continuing to support security and stability in the Caribbean.
