The frigate HNLMS De Ruyter left her home port of Den Helder for counterpiracy operations in the waters around Somalia. For this mission, the EU’s Operation Atalanta, the ship is carrying the new NH-90 helicopter, which will see its first operational deployment.
The air defence and command frigate has extensive command & control, communications and data facilities. Her crew number 220 military personnel, including an enhanced boarding element of the Marine Corps, a heavily armed specialist team which can board suspect vessels. In addition, there is a medical team on board, as well as the crew of the helicopter.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 23, 2013; Image: Defensie