Aruba. (October 21, 2024): Crystal clear waters, blue skies, and gentle breezes greeted U.S. Marines as they travelled to this exotic island for Tres Kolos 24. In this photo by Corporal Antonino Mazzamuto, Corporal Timothy Phelps Jr., an infantry rifleman with 2d Marine Division, smiles broadly after completing a 200-meter swim test. The Americans joined their colleagues, the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, to conduct a series of small-unit training sessions on this island that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Aruba was claimed by Spain in 1499 and the island quickly became a hotbed of smuggling and piracy in the Caribbean. The island's earliest inhabitants were Arawak Indians who left behind red cave drawings, clay pottery, and stone tools. In 1636, Aruba was seized by the Netherlands and was occupied by the Dutch West India Company.

Today, the Dutch government controls defense and foreign affairs while the island's government manages local matters such as local ordinances, civic policies, and the management of currency. As a NATO ally, Americans do not need to obtain a visa to visit this little chunk of paradise.

The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps is a rapid reaction force that can deploy to any location in the world within 48 hours. These Marines have been deployed in stabilization roles during the Bosnian War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Mali War. In addition, Dutch Marines conduct counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden to protect Dutch merchant ships.

While enjoying a relaxing “vacation,” these Marines shared tactics and strategies while building a sense of camaraderie among these friends and NATO allies.