A look at the Defence news 5 - 11 August
HNLMS Karel Doorman is setting course for the Netherlands after successful contribution to EU operation Aspides In a period of three months, HNLMS Karel Doorman supplied over 20 naval ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with 5,000 m3 of fuel.
The flagship of EU operation Aspides thus enabled the units concerned to continue to protect merchant ships without interruption. The logistic support ship had been performing this task since 11 May. The ship also provided medical capacity. The RNLN’s job in the area terrorised by Houthis is now done.
Marine injured in disturbances on Sint Maarten
During disturbances on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, a Dutch marine was injured after being hit by a stone. The disturbances broke out during a patrol in which the military supported the police. They will continue their support this month with a view to the elections on 19 August.
NATO forces in Lithuania under Dutch command
NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Lithuania is under Dutch command for the first time. Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans took over command from Germany’s Oberstleutnant Mark Krüger. The Dutch army officer will be leading more than 1,300 troops from six countries for a period of six months.
Human remains found during recovery of German warplane
During the recovery of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 in Hallum in the province of Friesland, human remains were found, probably of the pilot who crashed his plane during the Second World War. The recovery has now been finalised. The Royal Netherlands Army's Recovery and Identification Service will identify the remains.