On September 27, HNLMS Evertsen, the Dutch air-defence and command frigate, set out for a Middle East deployment of more than three months.
The Dutch Government said the frigate would embark an international forward headquarters (FHQ) for the France- and UK-led multinational military mission for the Strait of Hormuz. The staff will coordinate preparations and training for participating ships.
“Whether and when the cabinet actually deploys the frigate in the Strait of Hormuz depends on developments in the security situation and political decision-making,” the government said.
Evertsen is replacing HNLMS De Ruyter, which returned to Den Helder the previous week after recent operations primarily in the Arabian Sea, with a multinational staff aboard. The departing frigate will first head towards the Mediterranean and train en route.
Evertsen can carry an operational staff able to direct a multinational naval formation.
On May 12, France and the UK brought together defence ministers and representatives from 38 nations, who backed a mission that would be independent and strictly defensive. Its remit includes assistance to civilian shipping and mine clearance; it would begin operating only when conditions are permissive and in line with international law and national constitutional procedures.
The frigate will also support the European Union naval operations Aspides and Atalanta while passing through their respective operational areas.
The Netherlands redirected De Ruyter towards Hormuz in June to make it available for a possible mission, while a formal deployment decision remained pending.
Evertsen is a 144-metre De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate commissioned in 2005. Its complement is 174 crew, increasing to 202 with staff embarked.