WILLEMSTAD - HNLMS Friesland will take over the role of station ship in the Caribbean from HNLMS Groningen. The patrol ship arrived in Sint Maarten on Sunday morning, February 1st, for a short stop. On Monday morning, February 2nd, HNLMS Friesland will sail into St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. The ship will patrol the region in the coming months and will also be ready to provide emergency assistance.
Friesland in Sint Maarten
HNLMS Groningen has conducted frequent patrols around the ABC Islands in recent months. The station ship served as the Ministry of Defence's eyes and ears at sea in the Caribbean Region, monitoring the security situation in the region. The ship also supported the Caribbean Coastguard and was ready to provide emergency assistance. Just as with HNLMS Groningen, HNLMS Friesland will also be accompanied by an NH90 maritime attack helicopter from the Netherlands to the Caribbean. With the help of a maritime attack helicopter, the ship can see further and react faster.
The Royal Netherlands Navy has four Holland-class patrol vessels. These OPVs (Ocean-Going Patrol Vessels) are flexible deployable vessels for monitoring coastal waters. The NH90 maritime attack helicopter has returned on board to support the ship with air operations.
By maintaining a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean Region.
