The Dutch contribution to the Multinational Interception Force (MIF)
In the period 1996-2000, the Netherlands made a frigate available each year. In 1997, a supply ship and a maritime patrol aircraft (P-3C Orion) were also part of the MIF in the Persian Gulf. An Orion again supported the international naval force in 1999 and 2000.
The crews of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigates were tasked with questioning the crews of cargo ships about their cargo and destination. In this context, frigate crew members were permitted to board cargo ships for the purpose of inspection and verification. Boarding teams on the frigates carried out this task. The Dutch naval crews were sometimes tasked with escorting American aircraft carriers.