Don’t panic if you suddenly see marines on the IJsselmeer on Sunday. At the height of De Ven – near Andijk – there is practice. The 30 to 35 refugees from Ukraine who have been received there in a reception location are taken into account. “There is no shooting with loose ammunition in that area.”
During this special exercise of the Marine Corps, 50 marines are trained as drivers. They use two LCUs (Landing Craft Utility), three LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle & Personnel) and two FRISC (Fast Raiding Interception Special Forces Craft) craft. So a whole fleet. “They whiz over the IJsselmeer with fast landing craft to learn how to drive.”
The baptism of fire is practiced at various locations, on both the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. Also near De Ven, near Andijk, near Enkhuizen. “They do come ashore with the landing craft. But there is no infantry unit on board that goes ashore,” assures Matthias Spaans, captain in the Marine Corps. “Next week, our British colleagues will also go out on the water to practice.” The exercise lasts all day.
Information letter
At the end of June, the second reception location at the nursing home Sorgvliet in Andijk still open for Ukrainians. The first 30 to 35 refugees have now arrived. Is this taken into account? “We are going to write an information letter for the refugees, who are currently staying at the reception location in Andijk. We are also sending an email to the host families to inform them about the exercise.”