Commissioned 30 November 2007 Status in active service Length 176 m Launched 13 May 2006 Endurance 1.4 months | Laid down 18 June 2003 Type Landing platform dock Construction started 18 June 2003 Draft 6 m | |
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Builders Galați shipyard, Romania, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Netherlands | ||
HNLMS Johan de Witt (Dutch: Zr.Ms. Johan de Witt) is the second Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warfare ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy. It is an improved design of Rotterdam, which was designed in conjunction between the Netherlands and Spain. The ship, displacing 16,800 tons, was launched in February 2007. The motto of the ship is Ago Quod Ago, translated as I do what I do.
Contents
Equipment
The ship is equipped with a large helicopter deck for helicopter operations and a dock for large landing craft. It can carry six NH 90 helicopters or four Chinook helicopters. It has a well dock for two landing craft utility and it carries four davit-launched LCVPs. The dock is wide enough to support two LCAC.
The vessel has an extra deck with rooms for command staff to support a battalion size operation. The ship has a complete Class II hospital, including an operation theatre and intensive care facilities. A surgical team can be stationed on board. The ship also has a desalination system enabling it to convert seawater into drinking water.
It is also equipped with pod propulsion to ensure the ship stays in position when sea basing.
Sensors and armament
The sensor suite consists of a Thales Netherlands Variant 2D Air and Surface surveillance radar, the Thales Scout Low Probability of Intercept Surface surveillance and tactical navigation radar and the Thales GateKeeper Electro-Optical warning system.
When participating in high-risk operations Johan de Witt needs additional protection from frigates or destroyers. For protection against incoming anti-ship missiles or hostile aircraft and swarm attacks the ship has two Goalkeeper CIWS systems and 4-6 manual operated .50 Browning or FN Mag machine guns
Operational history
Johan de Witt's home port is in Den Helder. The ship has participated twice in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, where it successfully disrupted pirate activities and patrolled the coast with the landing craft functioning as forward operating bases. Johan de Witt also supported the locals with medical assistance and supplying food and water.