Dutch frigate Evertsen departs for Middle East mission

The Dutch air defense and command frigate Zr. Ms. Evertsen has departed from Den Helder for a mission in the Middle East lasting over three months. The vessel is heading toward the Mediterranean Sea, where the crew will undergo training to prepare for potential deployment in the Strait of Hormuz.

Upon arrival, the Evertsen will serve as a staff ship, hosting an international Forward Headquarters (FHQ) to coordinate military missions in the region. This international staff will play a key role in managing an international naval formation. The actual deployment of the frigate within the Strait of Hormuz remains subject to political decision-making and the evolving security situation.

The Evertsen succeeds the Zr. Ms. De Ruyter, which recently returned to the Netherlands. While en route, the frigate may also support existing EU maritime operations, including Operation Aspides in the Red Sea and Operation Atalanta near the Gulf of Aden and Somalia.