JULY 13, 2022 – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Vice Adm. René Tas at the Pentagon for an office call, July 12.
The leaders discussed global maritime security, strategic competition, and their shared commitment to continued cooperation, to include recent naval exercises involving both countries.
“The Dutch are one of our oldest Allies and global maritime partners, and I am grateful for our strong relationship,” said Gilday.
“This visit was an important opportunity for us to build upon our solid foundation, look ahead to the future, and reinforce our commitment to unity and to the NATO alliance.”
Gilday also noted the value and significance of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s maritime reach, the Dutch being one of a handful of European navies with a global presence stretching to the Indo-Pacific.
“We share the same values and economic interests,” said Tas. “The well-being of our people can only be secured and defended by operating globally. The seas and oceans, just as cyber and space, don’t have borders.”
The U.S. Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy regularly operate together around the world. Recently, they participated in exercises Formidable Shield and Obangame Express, and conducted joint operations, including USS The Sullivans’ (DDG 68) and HNLMS Evertsen’s (F805) participation in HMS Queen Elizabeth’s 2021 deployment. Last month, both navies participated in BALTOPS 22, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region.
This meeting was the second in-person discussion between the two heads of navy.
Chief of Naval Operations