SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo visited and participated in the first Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard Open Day Nov. 11, during St. Maarten Day celebrations in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Key Largo crewmembers gave tours to more than 350 people alongside Dutch Coast Guard and Royal Netherlands Navy ships, St. Maarten Sea Rescue and multiple auxiliary and local police boats. Spectators also enjoyed a Dutch Coast Guard Dash-8 patrol aircraft fly-by and a Search and Rescue demonstration featuring a Dutch Coast Guard Lynx helicopter.
“Key Largo was graciously welcomed and honored to be a part of St. Maarten’s first Coast Guard Open Day,” said Lt. Clayton Preble, Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo commanding officer. “My crew and I greatly enjoyed the enthusiasm expressed by the people of St. Maarten and gained a better understanding of Dutch Coast Guard capabilities and maritime partnerships in the area.”