HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801)

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. The ship, displacing 16,800 tons, was launched in February 2007. The motto of the ship is Ago Quod Ago, translated as I do what I do.

Equipment
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.

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 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, 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.