EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

On the 9th of November, EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk was honored by the visit of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Lieutenant-General Rob Verkerk.

 The purpose of his visit was to meet his personnel in theatre and to achieve this the General came on board for an overnight stay. Lieutenant-General Verkerk and his staff were welcomed by the Commanding Officer of the Dutch Karel Doorman-Class frigate Commander Elzo Jansen.

 After ceremonial was conducted General Verkerk was given a brief about the present situation in the region and Operation Atalanta as well as the status update of all departments onboard HNLMS Van Speijk. After this he was presented with an extensive tour through the ship, showing the capabilities of the ship and the additional teams embarked including the enhanced boarding element, the NH-90 helicopter and the enhanced medical facilities.

 After the tour the whole crew assembled on the flight deck and the General  addressed the ship’s company. Following his speech he presented a Petty Officer from the ship with a medal for long service and good conduct.

 Before leaving HNLMS Van Speijk in Dar es Salaam, the General hosted a lunch attended by a Dutch diplomatic delegation; the Commander of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces Navy, Major-General Laswai; and representatives from EU Naval Force and EUCAP Nestor.