The new patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland left for the Caribbean on January 28. It is the first time that one of the navy’s new patrol vessels is deployed for an operational mission. In addition to protecting the territory of the Kingdom, the ship will also be used for counterdrug operations in the Caribbean.
In the next 4 months, HNLMS Friesland will be used as a guard ship in the Caribbean. For counterdrug operations outside territorial waters, HNLMS Friesland will have an authorised Law Enforcement Detachment of the American coastguard on board. A coastguard boarding team will be stationed on the ship for operations in territorial waters. A permanent team of marines will secure the ship and its crew during boardings. Finally, HNLMS Friesland is equipped with a Belgian Alouette helicopter and 2 FRISC speedboats.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 6, 2013; Image: Dutch Navy