HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801)

HNLMS Johan de Witt with welldock submersed
Career (Netherlands)
Name: Johan de Witt
Builder: Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
Launched: February 2007
Homeport: Den Helder
Status: In service
General characteristics
Type:Landing platform dock
Displacement:16,800t full
Length:176.35m
Beam:29m
Draft:6m
Propulsion:Diesel-electric system
  • 4 x Stork Wärtsilä 19.800 HP with Podded Propulsion
  • bow thruster
Speed:19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph)
Range:6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Endurance:6 weeks
Boats and landing
craft carried:
  • 2 x 7m RHIB
  • Up to 4 x LCVP or 12m RHIB
  • 2 x LCU in welldock
  • Provisions for Combat Boat 90's.
  • Can also accommodate LCACs)
Capacity:170 armoured personnel carriers or 33 main battle tanks
Troops:555 marines
Crew:146
Sensors and
processing systems:		Thales Netherlands Variant 2D Combined air / surface radar

Thales Netherlands Gatekeeper E/O Warning system

SATCOM, Link 11, JMCIS
Electronic warfare
and decoys:		4 x Sippican Hycor SRBOC MK36 launcher
Armament:
Aviation facilities:Hangar for 6 x NH-90 or 4 x Chinook helicopters and stern helicopter flight deck with two landing spots

HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801) is the second Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warfare ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy. It is an improved design of the Rotterdam class amphibious transport dock, which was designed in conjunction between the Netherlands and Spain.[1] The ship, displacing 16,800 tons, was launched in February 2007.[2] The motto of the ship is Ago Quod Ago, translated as I do what I do.[2]

Equipment

Johan de Witt, disembarked Landing Craft Utility and two empty LCVP davits

The ship is equipped with a large helicopter deck for helicopter operations and a dock for large landing craft. It can carry 6 NH 90 helicopters or 4 Chinook helicopters. It has a welldock for two landing craft utility and it carries 4 davit-launched LCVPs. The dock is wide enough to support two LCACs.

The vessel has an extra deck with rooms for command staffs to support a battalion size operation. The ship has a complete Class II hospital, including an operation theater 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.

Johan de Witt aviation hangar

When participating in high-risk operations the 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[3] and 4-6 manual operated .50 Browning or FN Mag machine guns

Operational history

The Johan de Witt‍ '​s home port is in Den Helder,[4] she has participated two times 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. They also supported the locals with medical assistance and supplying food and water.

References

  1. ↑ "Rotterdam Class Landing Platform Dock (LPD), Netherlands". www.naval-technology.com. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "L 801 - HNLMS Johan de Witt". www.seaforces.org. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Rotterdam class Landing Platform Dock lpd Netherlands". warship-pics.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  4. ↑ "Ghana Navy Recognized During Dutch APS Deployment". www.navy.mil. Retrieved 2 December 2012.