The Netherlands has once again sent an air defence and command frigate to the Middle East. HNLMS Evertsen departed on 27 September and will be away for more than three months. The ship is taking over the duties of HNLMS De Ruyter, which recently returned.
When the ship departed, the quay was packed with family and friends waving goodbye to the frigate’s crew. They will have to miss each other over the coming months, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Over the coming weeks, Evertsen will first sail towards the Mediterranean and conduct training along the way to be ready for deployment. This coalition is led by France and the United Kingdom. Whether and when the government actually deploys the frigate to the Strait of Hormuz will depend on developments in the security situation and political decision-making.
Forward Head Quarters
HNLMS Evertsen will soon take on board an international staff from the military mission for the Strait of Hormuz: the Forward Head Quarters (FHQ). This makes Evertsen a “staff ship” capable of commanding an international group of ships within the mission. The FHQ on board plays an important role in coordinating the training programme, integration and readiness of these ships. This will enable the mission to start quickly and effectively once it gets underway.
HNLMS Evertsen is taking over the duties of HNLMS De Ruyter. The ship arrived back in Den Helder last week. The security situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains unpredictable. The strait is of great importance to the global economy. Free and safe passage is therefore crucial. This is why HNLMS Evertsen is now heading in that direction. During its deployment, the frigate will also support the EU missions Aspides and Atalanta when it sails through the respective operational areas.
HNLMS Evertsen
HNLMS Evertsen is one of the air defence and command frigates of the De Zeven Provinciën class. The ship has two main functions: air defence and command. The defence function means that it must be capable of protecting a fleet formation as a whole. The command function means that the ship can carry a full operational staff on board. The commander of this staff is then in charge of several ships: a squadron or fleet formation.
The 144-metre frigate was commissioned in 2005. Thanks to extensive automation, a crew of 174 (202, including staff) is sufficient. The air defence and command frigates are being modernised between 2024-2029 to extend their service life until new frigates can enter service.
Picture: The HNLMS Evertsen crew waving goodbye to their loved ones as it sets sail for the Middle East (photo Ministry of Defence).
