The Hr.Ms. Rotterdam is the new flagship for the NATO anti-piracy Operation Ocean Shield. On 4 August, the amphibious transport ship in the waters of Somalia took over the tasks of air defense and command frigate Hr.Ms. Evertsen.
Apart from the Rotterdam's 320 crew members, Ocean Shield Force Commander Commodore Ben Bekkering Ben Bekkering and his staff will stay on board the Dutch ship. Bekkering has led the NATO fleet, the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, since January.
Equipment
The 166 meters long Landing Platform Dock provides ample space for additional units and equipment. Especially for this mission, two Cougars of the Defence Helicopter Command haven placed on board. Army units on board gather intelligence using the Scan Eagle unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. The army also provides medical staff for the ship's hospital. In addition, there is a meteorological-hydrographic unit on board as well as eight vessels including four high-speed motorboats. The latter are used to board suspect vessels by teams from the Marine Corps.
Deter and Disrupt
To increase the safety of the recommended shipping route through the Gulf of Aden, naval vessels of Operation Ocean Shield patroll along the shipping lanes near Somalia. They deter and disrupt pirate groups, operating up to 750 kilometers off the coast. Each year, between 20,000 to 30,000 ships, including food transports from the UN, pass through the Gulf of Aden.
Evertsen
The past three months, the frigate Evertsen was the flagship of the NATO squadron. During this period, it intercepted a hijacked dhow from Oman after an extensive search. That happened on 29 June. Pirates used the boat to attack merchant ships in the Arabian Sea. The seven crewmembers that were held hostage were rescued and some suspects overpowered. The Dutch frigate will soon return to Den Helder. Picture: The Rotterdam will take up its role as flagship in Ocean Shield (source: https://www.defensie.nl/marine/operationeel/schepen/hr_ms_rotterdam[Dutch Ministry of Defence])
