The Dutch navy’s patrol ship HNLMS Holland returned to the Netherlands in time for the holidays. It acted as station ship in the Caribbean for the past four months and conducted counter-narcotics operations among other things. In the new year, HNLMS Groningen will take over from HNLMS Holland.
The patrol vessel entered Den Helder port on 19 December, a day early due to weather conditions. On 20 December, crew and families reunited.
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Counterdrug operations
In the Caribbean, in cooperation with the US Coast Guard and Caribbean Coast Guard, the Holland carried out counterdrug operations, among other things. This proved very successful, given the total drug haul of almost 9000 kilos.
In tracking down fast drug boats, HNLMS Holland was assisted by, among others, an NH90 maritime combat helicopter stationed on board. It had been some time since the helicopter made flying hours in the Caribbean again.
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Humanitarian aid
Besides counterdrug operations, the station ship was ready to provide humanitarian aid during the hurricane season. Large-scale humanitarian assistance proved unnecessary. However, the maritime board helicopter did carry out medical evacuations twice.
There was also an international exercise with the French navy and a broken sailboat was towed to Aruba.
Picture: HNLMS Holland sailing into Den Helder on 19 December (photo Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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