By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The recent joint naval operation between the Netherlands and the United States in the South China Sea marks a significant milestone in the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations. The operation, which involved the USS Mobile (LCS 26), USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), and HNLMS Tromp (F803), demonstrates the shared commitment to maintaining stability and free use of vital sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) is a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, providing replenishment and logistics support to naval vessels., the HNLMS Tromp (F803) is a De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate, designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and surface warfare. Its advanced sensors and weapons systems make it a capable platform for a range of operations especially in regions like the South China Sea.
According to Capt. Sean Lewis, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7, “The Netherlands is one of our oldest, continuous bilateral relationships, stemming from the 18th century. I look forward to any opportunity to work together with partners and allies, especially at sea.” This sentiment is echoed by Cmdr. Yvonne van Beusekom, Commanding Officer of HNLMS Tromp, who emphasized the importance of continued coordination between nations to promote regional peace and stability.
The operation provided a valuable opportunity for the two navies to improve interoperability and conduct complex scenarios to enhance combined readiness. The U.S. Navy regularly participates in high-end maritime exercises and operations with allies and partners, which have continued to grow in scale, scope, and complexity. These operations demonstrate the strength of regional partnerships, interchangeability, and cooperation.
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Cmdr. David Gardner, commanding officer of the USS Mobile, noted that “consistent collaboration makes us better as a crew and more capable as a joint force.” Bilateral operations like these strengthen bonds with Royal Netherlands Navy partners and deepen understanding of how to operate together. The operation was facilitated by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 15, which serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 plays a critical role in building partnerships through training, exercises, and military-to-military engagements. The 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The operation highlights the interoperability of the two navies, with the USS Mobile and HNLMS Tromp demonstrating their capabilities in complex scenarios. The USNS Wally Schirra provided critical logistics support, enabling the operation to continue without interruption. It demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, in cooperation with regional partners. The use of advanced sensors and weapons systems, combined with the modular design of the USS Mobile, highlights the adaptability and flexibility of the U.S. Navy’s platforms. As the U.S. Navy continues to operate in the region, operations like these will remain critical in demonstrating resolve and enhancing partnerships.
