A.J. Romijn Honored at Parris Island During Assen Hostage Raid

Dutch general commands counter-terrorism operation from U.S. while receiving ceremonial recognition.

Date: March 15, 1978

Major General A.J. Romijn’s Official Visit to Parris Island During the Assen Hostage Crisis

Details:

  • Tactical Execution: The article provides granular details of the assault on the provincial office building in Assen. A 100-strong marine unit (the same unit that handled the 1977 train and school hostage crises) stormed the four-story building.
  • The Assault: Marines utilized sharpshooters on nearby rooftops to provide heavy covering fire while anti-terrorist commandos entered the building. Witnesses reported hearing shots on an upper floor followed by marines entering the room. The Moluccans fired back, but the marines were able to secure the building in approximately 20 minutes.
  • Casualties and Injuries: A 40-year-old man was killed by the terrorists when they first occupied the complex on Monday. During the final raid, six hostages were injured, but all terrorists were captured unhurt.
  • Romijn’s Activities at Parris Island: While managing the crisis via radio, General Romijn was formally honored at Parris Island with a ceremony upon his arrival. He was accompanied by his wife, Margrieta, and his aide-de-camp, Captain Patrick Cammaert.
  • Observation of U.S. Training: Romijn spent his time observing American recruit combat training, specifically visiting the depot's female recruit training command and weapons training battalions.

Significance:

  • Command Continuity: This second half of the report emphasizes the incredible operational reach of the Dutch military leadership. General Romijn was effectively "on duty" across two continents—performing a diplomatic and observational role in the U.S. while maintaining ultimate command over a lethal counter-terrorism operation in the Netherlands.
  • International Recognition: The honoring of Romijn at Parris Island during a period of active crisis in his home country highlights the deep respect and close cooperation between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.
  • The Role of Patrick Cammaert: The mention of Captain Patrick Cammaert is notable; Cammaert would later become a world-renowned Lieutenant General and a key figure in United Nations peacekeeping operations (notably in the DRC and Ethiopia/Eritrea). This visit captures him in an early career role as Romijn’s aide-de-camp.

Source:

"Dutch commandant visits." The Beaufort Gazette, March 15, 1978, p. 20.

Link:

https://www.newspapers.com/image/843154871/

Internal Link:

Date:
March 15, 1978
Categories:
Log, Matthew Smith, Military & Intel, Nuclear Warfare
Tags:
Assen, Assen Hostage Crisis, Captain Patrick Cammaert, Command Continuity, Counter Terrorism, International Recognition, Margrieta, Parris Island, Tactical Execution, Transnational Command, U.S. Marine Corps
Boxes:
MW Zotero
Years:
1978
Persons:
Dick Romijn, Patrick Cammaert
META DATA
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