HNLMS Johan de Witt, the amphibious transport ship, left Den Helder on July 14th for the Horn of Africa in order to take part in counter-piracy operations being conducted in the area.
Johan de Witt will take part in the EU mission Atalanta as a staff ship for 4 months. During this time, it will accommodate an international staff led by Commodore Peter Lenselink.
In addition to disrupting pirate activities, the naval ships acting under the EU flag in the area escort vulnerable vessels and ships sailing for the United Nation’s World Food Programme.
[mappress] Press Release, July 17, 2013; Image: Dutch MoD