Since this week, the Netherlands has been providing an amphibious task force to the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF). This rapid reaction force can be deployed directly for a year to defend the NATO treaty area. The task force can bring combat units of the Marine Corps ashore from the sea.
Among others, HNLMS Johan de Witt, units of the Marine Corps and a diving team of the navy are part of the so-called Amphibious Task Group. This also applies to a medical capacity (role 2 afloat) and a squadron with 2 NH90 maritime combat helicopters. The whole is under the command of the Dutch commander George Pastoor and the Maritime Battle Staff of the navy.
Participation in the task force does not mean that the units are away from home for a year. They are ready for deployment. In the meantime, they work on their readiness with exercises.
The Netherlands takes over from Turkey. The Netherlands also provided an amphibious task force to NATO in 2016 and 2020.