WILLEMSTAD – With ceremonial gun salutes and an official welcome by the Governor of Curaçao and the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean, the Royal Netherlands Navy ship Zr.Ms. Friesland was formally received this morning at 9:00 AM in the port of Willemstad. The ceremony began at 8:40 AM with three rounds of 21-gun salutes fired from Fort Krommelijn. 

During its previous deployment in the Caribbean in 2022, Zr.Ms. Friesland played a key role in multiple operations. In February of that year, the vessel intercepted 224 kilograms of narcotics south of Curaçao. In March, it intercepted two additional drug shipments, seizing a total of 850 kilograms of illegal substances. 

After returning to the Netherlands, the ship underwent major technical maintenance. In April 2025, it completed the intensive Netherlands Operational Sea Training (NOST) off the coast of Plymouth, England. During this rigorous training, the crew was prepared for a variety of scenarios, including onboard emergencies and humanitarian aid missions. 

Now back in the Caribbean, Zr.Ms. Friesland will once again carry out vital maritime security tasks such as surveillance, law enforcement, and countering illegal activities like drug trafficking. The ship is also prepared to provide emergency assistance during natural disasters, especially with hurricane season beginning in June. It will continue its cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard in executing maritime duties across the region.