Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point
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Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point (Dutch: Marinesteunpunt Pointe Blanche; MSTPPB) is a base of the Royal Netherlands Navy that is located on Sint Maarten.[2][3] Since 2014 a detachment of the Netherlands Marine Corps is permanently stationed at the base.[4][5][6] The marines of this detachment are nicknamed Green Angels by the locals.[4] They provide military support to Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.[7]
| Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point | |
|---|---|
Marinesteunpunt Pointe Blanche | |
| Pointe Blanche, Sint Maarten | |
| Site information | |
| Operator | |
| Controlled by | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Condition | Operational |
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| Site history | |
| In use | 2013 - present |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | Sint Maarten Marine Detachment[1] |
History
Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point was established in 2013 at Pointe Blanche, Sint Maarten.[8] The base was established to meet the local government's desire for a military presence on Sint Maarten.[8] While the base was established in 2013, the first twenty marines arrived a year later on 4 March 2014.[4] In total there are 29 persons stationed at the base, which includes a staff consisting of 9 persons.[5] Together they form the Sint Maarten Marine Detachment (Dutch: Detachment Mariniers Sint-Maarten; DETSXM).[7][9] The Netherlands Marine Corps detachment can provide support for various matters, ranging from search and rescue operations to assisting the local police with prison searches.[4][10] At the base the marines have access to two FRISC's and near the base there are several training facilities.[5] These facilities have been improved and expanded over the years.[8]
The marines stationed at Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point frequently take part in exercises, such as the Hurricane Relief Exercise (HUREX).[2] They also work together with the local police, fire department, emergency medical services and the Sint Maarten Volunteer Corps.[11]
In February 2026 the definitive design of a new four-story building was unveiled.[12] It will replace the current building and will be built near the Great Bay in the coming years.[12]
