GREEN LIGHT FOR USA TO OPERATE FROM CURACAO AND ARUBA

US forces will conduct counter-drug operations in the Caribbean from
Hato Airfield on the Dutch Antilles island of Curacao and Reina
Beatrix on Aruba following the closure of US bases in Panama.

Last week Dutch and US government officials reached an agreement on
stationing US forces on the islands. A formal agreement will be signed
within the next couple of weeks in The Hague.

Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) sources expect the USA to station some 20
to 25 aircraft on both airfields in the next three years. Besides P-3C
Orion maritime patrol aircraft they could also included E-2 Hawkeyes,
Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS), and KC-135 tankers. These
aircraft are employed through the Joint Interagency Task Force East
(JIATF East) headquartered in Key West, Florida.

The Flag Officer Netherlands Forces Caribbean, Brig Gen Willem Prins,
is one of two tactical commanders for JIATF East. JIATF South will be
moved out of Panama this year and will be merged into JIATF East in
Key West.

The Antilles government supported the move of US forces to the island
since it would boost the local economy and counter the island's
reputation as a safe haven for drug traffickers.

The agreement initially will last only one year during which US
officials will investigate ways to accommodate the increase in air
traffic and population. Gen Prins will function as a liaison between
US officials and the Dutch Antilles government.

Currently, two RNN P-3C Orions are permanently stationed at Hato
Airfield. The Dutch Ministry of Defence intends to augment that force
in the near future with one extra Orion. These aircraft have dual
missions: coast guard operations and counter-drug operations. There is
always one frigate on station in the Caribbean - the West Indies Guard
Ship - equipped with one Lynx helicopter.