Royal Netherlands Navy
“Sailing Storms: A Dutch Navy Veteran’s Adventures”
Welcome back to “Global Hot Topics,” where we dive into the world’s most intriguing stories. In this episode, the host chats with Richard Huitema . He is a Sergeant Major in the Dutch Navy, who’s spent nearly 30 years serving. His roles have ranged from mechanic to diver to media specialist. Richard shares his journey from joining at age 21, ditching the army for the sea, to globetrotting missions.
Richard’s path is a whirlwind. He started as an electrical mechanic on ships. Then he mastered underwater filming. He adjusted for lighting while managing buoyancy and shots. “It’s like filming above water, but you’re multitasking with breathing and gear,” he explains. He captured everything from mine searches to shipwrecks.Training tales evoke Navy SEAL vibes: swimming 7km in a canal, night marches, rowing, and teamwork drills with oil drums. “It’s fun, but sometimes you wonder what you’re doing,” Richard laughs.
Missions spanned Yugoslavia, Somalia, Bosnia, Libya (evacuating people amid a captured helicopter drama), and multiple Afghanistan tours. In Afghanistan, he filmed for in bases like Kandahar, Kabul, and Kunduz. Cultural insights abound: Afghanistan’s tribal diversity, sparse rivers, and pre-Taliban Western vibes in Kabul. He witnessed poverty’s harshness—a barefoot child in freezing slush—eye-opening compared to Western complaints.
Richard’s favorites: Cairo’s majestic pyramids (watch for camel scams!). He sailed to New York with the Dutch royals, crossing the Atlantic in 4-5 days. Advice for aspiring military kids? Start with programs like VEVA for teens 16-17 to test the waters.
Richard’s stories remind us: life’s about perspective and enjoying the ride. Tune in next for more global tales—subscribe now!
Check out the full interview below
The Interview
Name: Sergeant-Major Richard Huitema – Occupation: Tech and Freelance Cameraman
Name and Occupation 