The Dutch Navy is increasing the number of ships in the NATO-deployment in the Baltic Sea. Just a few days ago, the government announced the Participation of the two ships “Zr.Ms. Luymes” and “Zr.Ms. Tromp” in the new NATO operation “Baltic Sentry” known. Now the minehunter “Zr.Ms Schiedam” has also left the Den Helder naval base for the Baltic Sea.
The naval vessel joins the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1). The main task of this fleet unit is to combat and clear explosives such as sea mines.
The hydrographic survey vessel “Zr.Ms. Luymes” is already part of this association as the flagship. Both ships will patrol the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean in future. For “Baltic Sentry” they will also monitor areas to ensure that no unauthorized activities take place on critical infrastructure in the sea. Pipelines, power and data cables have long been frequent targets of sabotage. “Zr.Ms. Schiedam” and “Zr.Ms. Luymes” were included in NATO’s rapid reaction force, the NATO Response Force.
Destruction at sea
The air defense and command frigate “Zr.Ms. Tromp” is the third naval vessel in northern waters. Tromp” is the third naval vessel in northern waters. She is the flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). This fleet group is commanded this year by the Dutch commander Arjen Warnaar.
The SNMG1 has been incorporated into the NATO Response Force. This response force is tasked with deterring hostilities, monitoring and maintaining security. “Zr.Ms. Tromp”, like the other two Dutch ships, focuses on preventing the destruction of infrastructure at sea. The frigate is equipped with an NH90 maritime combat helicopter.
According to the current schedule, “Zr.Ms. Luymes” and “Zr.Ms. Schiedam” will return in April. The frigate “Zr.Ms. Tromp” is due to moor in Den Helder again in May.
