WILLEMSTAD – Royal Netherlands Navy patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland arrived in the port of Willemstad on Sunday, marking its return to the Caribbean after spending approximately three months in the Netherlands.
Friesland will take over the role of station ship in the Caribbean from HNLMS Groningen, which has been carrying out the assignment in recent months.
As station ship, Friesland will patrol the Caribbean region and remain available for a range of operations, including maritime surveillance and emergency assistance when required.
The station ship plays an important role in maintaining a permanent Dutch Defence presence in the Caribbean and can be deployed rapidly when circumstances require assistance at sea or elsewhere in the region.
Friesland is expected to operate in Caribbean waters during the coming months as it assumes the responsibilities previously carried out by Groningen.
The vessel's return ensures continuity in the Royal Netherlands Navy's operational presence in the region and its ability to respond to emergencies affecting the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.