History
The Dutch Royal Navy has a long and proud history protecting the Netherlands at sea. When World War II started, the country was invaded by Germany. However, many Dutch ships escaped to other countries like Britain or the Dutch East Indies. In the Pacific, the Dutch fleet worked with American, British, and Australian ships to try and stop the Japanese advance. They fought in several famous naval battles, such as the Battle of the Java Sea. Although the Dutch ships were often smaller than the enemy, the sailors showed great courage. After the war, the navy rebuilt its fleet and worked with other countries to protect shipping lanes. Today, the Dutch Royal Navy continues to be an important part of the national military. They participate in many international missions to help keep the seas safe for everyone around the world.
