EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

On 18 November, the Dutch warship HNLMS AMSTERDAM conducted her last day of operations as an EU NAVFOR vessel, after 2 months and 9 days of counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin.  

On the occasion of her departure, EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Rear-Admiral Philippe Coindreau, expressed his deep satisfaction and thanks to the warship and its crew. He highlighted the significant contribution she had made to the EU NAVFOR mission and for the valuable work of the crew and their accomplishments.

HNLMS AMSTERDAM is a Fast Combat Support ship that was not only used as a tanker but also to conduct counter-piracy operations.

The HNLMS AMSTERDAM conducted 12 replenishments at sea for EU NAVFOR units.  She disrupted one Pirate Action Group, comprising of 9 suspected pirates and escorted a vessel chartered by the World Food Program (WFP) helping in the delivery of 7,000 tons of food to Somalia.

“Your cooperative spirit and prompt attitude constituted a remarkable example for EU NAVFOR crews” said EU NAVFOR Force Commander in his farewell message.