Deployment Zr.Ms. Trump in the Red Sea is over. Crew impressed by sunken British freighter

Casper Dune

Yesterday at 7:45 PM

The deployment of naval ship Zr.Ms. Trump in the Red Sea is over. The air defense and command frigate has been patrolling there since the end of March to protect merchant shipping against attacks by the Houthis with missiles and drones.

The ship managed to detect attacks early thanks to the much-vaunted Smart-L long-range radar. In doing so, the ship also contributed to military deterrence. While Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman sails to the Red Sea, De Tromp is now on his way to India. The ship continues its journey to the Indo-Pacific, with India as the first stop. In September, Zr.Ms. Tromp returned to the Netherlands via the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. At the beginning of next month, the logistics support ship Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman in the Red Sea.

Also read: Dutch frigate is not allowed to do anything against Iran despite the best missile radar in the world

The efforts of Zr.Ms. Trump in the Red Sea was part of the American-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. In addition, the ship provided associated support to the EU operation Aspides. The aim of both operations is to promote security and free passage in the Red Sea.

Missiles

Houthi units have been regularly targeting commercial and naval vessels with drones and missiles since November. This happens in the southern part of the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea is a crucial shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. The Netherlands also has a direct economic interest in the safe and unhindered transport of goods by sea. During the presence of Zr.Ms. Tromp in the Red Sea, dozens of missile and drone attacks were repelled and a merchantman twice escaped unscathed.

The crew of more than two hundred people on the naval ship was prepared for deployment in a high spectrum of violence. The unit is trained to deal with risks. The ship is equipped with defense equipment against various threats. During the deployment, there was close cooperation with the other naval and air force units.

Zr.Ms. Tromped past the British freighter, sunk after an attack by the Houthis. That made an impression on the crew and, according to Defense, confirms why a military presence is necessary in this area.

Also read: Navy ship Tromp arrived in the Red Sea

Also read: Dutch navy ship leaves for Red Sea to prevent Houthi attacks: ‘This is for real’