General A.J. Romijn Visits Aruba, Bids Farewell to Colonel de Waard

Dutch Marine Corps commandant honors departing officer at Savaneta barracks in Caribbean territory.

Date: June 7, 1978

General A.J. "Dick" Romijn's Visit to Aruba and Farewell to Colonel Nico de Waard

Details:

  • High-Level Visit: The Commandant of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, General A.J. (Dick) Romijn, and his wife arrived in Aruba on June 21, 1978, for a multi-day visit.
  • The Venue: A formal reception was held at the Marine Barracks Savaneta (Marinierskazerne Savaneta) to honor the visiting General.
  • Leadership Transition: The event served as a dual-purpose occasion, providing a formal opportunity to bid farewell to Colonel Nico de Waard, the Commandant of the Netherlands Antilles Marines, who was scheduled to leave the service on July 1, 1978.
  • A "Renewed Acquaintance": The visit was a homecoming of sorts for General Romijn, who had previously served as the commander of the Savaneta barracks for several years.
  • Civil-Military Relations: During his previous command in Aruba, Romijn was noted for his extensive efforts to strengthen the ties between the military barracks and the local Aruban population.

Significance:

  • Military Continuity: This event highlights the strategic importance of the Savaneta barracks in the Netherlands Antilles and the structured transition of Dutch military leadership in the Caribbean.
  • Diplomatic and Social Integration: Romijn’s "renewed acquaintance" and his history of strengthening community ties emphasize the Dutch military's policy of maintaining a positive social presence on the island beyond mere defense.
  • Colonial/Territorial Administration: The presence of the highest-ranking Marine officer in Aruba underscores the direct military link between the Netherlands and its overseas territories during the late 1970s.

Source(s):

Source:

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Amigoe-07-06-1978.pdf

Date:
June 7, 1978
Categories:
Colonial Times, Log, Matthew Smith, Military & Intel
Tags:
Aruba, Civil Military Relations, Colonel Nico de Waard, Colonial/Territorial Administration, General A.J. (Dick) Romijn, High-Level Visit, Leadership Transition, Marine Barracks Savaneta, Military Continuity, Romijn Visit, Savaneta Barracks
Boxes:
MW Zotero
Years:
1978
Persons:
Dick Romijn, Waard Nico De
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