The navy frigate Zr.Ms. Van Amstel will be active throughout the Caribbean region in the coming week.
PHILIPSBURG--The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate Zr.Ms. Van Amstel has temporarily taken over the duties of patrol ship Zr.Ms. Groningen in the Caribbean while the latter undergoes routine maintenance.
Van Amstel was already operating in the region following participation in an international naval exercise off the east coast of the United States. After completing the exercise, the frigate sailed towards Curaçao to assume regional duties. Once Groningen’s maintenance is completed, Van Amstel will depart to resume her role as flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1).
In the coming week, Van Amstel will be active throughout the Caribbean region. The temporary substitution ensures continued maritime security and defence presence in the region during Groningen’s absence.
Normally, the Dutch military presence in the Caribbean is maintained by offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). The use of an M-class frigate, such as Van Amstel, instead of a patrol ship is due to the current availability of naval assets. The frigate also operated in the region in September to fill the gap between the rotations of two station ships.
Through the permanent deployment of a station ship, the Ministry of Defence contributes to maintaining peace, stability, and security across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
