- Source: Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point
Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point (Dutch: Marinesteunpunt Pointe Blanche; MSTPPB) is a base of the Royal Netherlands Navy that is located on Sint Maarten. Since 2014 a detachment of the Netherlands Marine Corps is permanently stationed at the base. The marines of this detachment are nicknamed Green Angels by the locals. They provide military support to Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius.
History
Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point was established in 2013 at Pointe Blanche, Sint Maarten. The base was established to meet the local government's desire for a military presence on Sint Maarten. While the base was established in 2013, the first twenty marines arrived a year later on 4 March 2014. In total there are 29 persons stationed at the base, which includes a staff consisting of 9 persons. Together they form the Sint Maarten Marine Detachment (Dutch: Detachment Mariniers Sint-Maarten; DETSXM). 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. At the base the marines have access to two FRISC's and near the base there are several training facilities. These facilities have been improved and expanded over the years.
The marines stationed at Pointe Blanche Naval Support Point frequently take part in exercises, such as the Hurricane Relief Exercise (HUREX). They also work together with the local police, fire department, emergency medical services and the Sint Maarten Volunteer Corps.