Belgian Navy frigate BNS Louise Marie concluded her deployment to the EU-led migrant crisis operation in the Mediterranean Sea setting sail home on July 23.
The multi-purpose frigate left operation Sophia after the scheduled 34 days of duties, despite calls for the frigate’s earlier withdrawal due to the mission’s perceived inability to reach set goals .
The frigate operated near the coast of Libya contributing to a mission aimed at countering illegal arm and human trafficking. During her deployment, Louise Marie boarded a number ships in the area and took part in a rescue mission saving 118 migrants, including 1 newborn, 39 children and 6 women.
BNS Louise Marie’s deployment was the third time Belgium has sent a frigate to operation Sophia.
Louise Marie is a former Dutch Navy Karel Doorman-class frigate bought by the Belgian Navy in 2005 from the Royal Netherlands Navy as replacement for Belgian Navy’s old Wielingen-class frigates. Louise Marie was formerly known as HNLMS Willem van der Zaan.
In 2009, the Netherlands and Belgium decided to modernize their M- frigates by rebuilding their hangar and helicopter decks to accommodate the NH 90 helicopters.