The amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt departed on Monday 16 February for northern Norway to participate in Cold Response. Around 25,000 military personnel from fourteen countries, including the United States, are taking part in this large-scale NATO exercise under Arctic conditions.
The exercise will take place on land and in the waters around Norway and Finland. Cold Response aims to deter Russia and demonstrate the strength and unity of the NATO alliance.
Last week, NATO announced that the biennial Cold Response exercise will now form part of Arctic Sentry. Through Arctic Sentry, NATO is increasing its presence across the entire Arctic region and underlining the strategic importance of the area.
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Dutch units
In addition to HNLMS Johan de Witt, units from the Netherlands Marine Corps and the Defence Helicopter Command will participate, including two NH90 maritime combat helicopters. The Maritime Battle Staff will also embark as the operational staff for maritime command and control. For this staff, the exercise marks an important final step in the process towards the Allied Response Force — a rapidly deployable group of maritime units that NATO countries can call upon.
Cold Response runs from 9 to 20 March.
Also read: NATO mission HNLMS Johan de Witt completed
Amphibious transport ships
HNLMS Johan de Witt entered into service in November 2007. The 176-metre vessel is one of two amphibious transport ships in the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet. The vessels are also called Landing Platform Docks. Like its sistership HNLMS Rotterdam, it can transport a full battalion of marines and equipment. In addition, the LPD has extensive facilities for ship-based command and control.
Picture by Dutch Ministry of Defence.
Also read: British and Dutch troops train for NATO missions at sea
