Marine days Den Helder (30th of June) 2023 the Netherlands

Sail and Marine Days: a successful combination

This year's Marine Days took place from 30 June to 2 July in Den Helder. Among other things, visitors could take a look on board naval ships and see marines and paratroopers in action during demonstrations. The theme of Marine Days 2023 was international cooperation. The navy showed how it works as a team of fleet and marines for safety at and from sea.

Despite the somewhat poorer weather on the Saturday, the Marine Days were excellently attended. Thanks to Sail. This nautical event is also being held in Den Helder this weekend, attracting crowds of visitors to come and have a look.

Besides the naval ships, dozens of tall ships with beautiful sounding names can be admired. Like the German three-master Alexander von Humboldt II, the Polish Dar Mlodziezy and the Indonesian Bim Suci. The latter can hardly be overlooked, as high atop flies a white/red national bicolour of unprecedented size.

A notable participant in the Marine Days is HMS Albion. Around this British amphibious transport ship, a number of interesting demonstrations will be staged. For instance, a landing of Dutch marines will be given a British flavour when Royal Marine Commandos with Jackal battle wagons help fight an imaginary enemy. The rattle of the .50' and 7.62 mm machine guns sounds so convincing that young and old alike crowd around the waterfront to not miss a thing.

For those who frequent the Marine Days, this event is a feast of recognition. On and around the quays there are the usual demonstrations and events.

This year, the massive presence of the Marine Fire Brigade stands out. For some time now, it has had a small arsenal of new fire-fighting vehicles.

Who can also count on the necessary attention is the maritime branch of the Explosives Clearing Service. Spacer sergeant-major Richard proves not shy about answering a wide variety of questions. The most remarkable is whether you can dive with a protective 'bomb suit' too. "Bit of a curious question," thinks the expert. Because apart from the enormous weight of these things, you see them regularly on television because of the many attacks in the Netherlands. Surely then it is clear that you cannot dive with them.

The navy naturally predominates during the Navy Days, in which the other armed forces also participate.

The massive presence of the Royal Military Police is striking. Besides a fairly complete collection of wheeled vehicles from past and present, there is also a fairly new demonstration by the Mobile Unit, in which the smaller visitors take part. Equipped with a helmet and long bar, they help bring in 2 crooks, causing great hilarity among onlookers. "As long as you're having fun," says one of them, after receiving numerous taps on the behind at the express request of the ME leadership. And so for 3 days, there is plenty to do and experience. (source defensie.nl)