The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Lieutenant General Rob Verkerk welcomed Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley to the Dutch naval base in Den Helder. Crowley was able to see first-hand the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNLMC) teams.
Verkerk discussed their leadership, organizational, and command structures. Captain Robert Buzzell (U.S. Navy) and Senior Chief Matthew Bonnett (U.S. Navy) joined from the U.S. Embassy’s Defense Attachés’ Office.
The Royal Navy provided a tour of the harbor aboard the Harbor Patrol Vessel, M/V Nieuwediep, allowing the group to view other vessels. The group also toured the HNLMS Evertsen.
This trip provided the U.S. Embassy team and the Royal Netherlands Navy representatives with an opportunity to discuss potential future cooperation and to better understand the long term vision of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
From left to right Captain Robert Buzzell, CDA Shawn Crowley, Lt General Rob Verkerk, and Senior Chief Matthew Bonnett
