NL Defense Attaché - USA

After 4 years being the Netherlands Defense Attache for the USA, I handed over my duties to Air Cdre Erwin van Beljouw. It was a honor and privilege to serve my country in Washington D.C. My next chapter will be in the Netherlands. #NLintheUSA

It’s my last week in DC as the Defense Attache for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States. I introduced my successor, Air Commodore Erwin van Beljouw to our contacts in the Pentagon. #nlintheusa

.@NLDefatUSA Rear Admiral Sebo Hofkamp participated in a ceremony in New York Tuesday commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic during #WWII. #80YearsOfFreedom

HNLMS De Ruyter, one of the Dutch Air Defense Frigates, has launched its first Tomahawk missile, as the fourth country in the world. This program is a strong example for burden sharing and an important step for a credible defense of Europe or elsewhere.

Honored to receive the Defense Intelligence Director’s Award medal from Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, in recognition of serving 2.5 years as Dean of the Defense Attache Corps in Washington D.C. representing 120 countries.

The Royal Netherlands Navy exists 537 years today! ⚓️ The @kon_marine is the oldest service in the Netherlands armed forces. Since 1488 it has been protecting what is dear to us. And to this day the Navy is of crucial importance! 📸: @Defensie

Today it is the birthday of the Dutch Marines, 359 years! @NLintheUSA

It was a honor to be the assigned Dean of the Foreign Attache Corps in Washington DC for 2 years and 7 months. At the Defense Attache Association (DAA) dinner gala ball, attended by 200 guests from 60 countries, I announced the next Dean: RADM Jakob Rousoe from Denmark.

The yearly NL-US Defense Industry Days at the Netherlands Embassy. It brings US and NL Industry together with NL and US government as well. Good discussions about opportunities and challenges. #NLUSDefense

Today LTGEN Mike Plehn handed over the presidency of the National Defense University to VADM Peter Garvin. GEN Brown, CJCS was present and made some personal notes to them. @NLintheUSA

NLD Armed Forces Day reception at the Dutch embassy in Washington D.C., where we honor the Dutch forces specific and the forces of our allies and partners in general. Great that we had the SECNAV Hon. Del Toro and the NLD Chief of Defense, GEN Eichelsheim as our special guests.

@NLAmbassadorUSA .@SECNAV discussed the ties between the Netherlands and the U.S., stating -“We are honored to count the Netherlands not just as an ally but a true friend, a trusted friend. I am proud to stand here with you and recognize the extraordinary contributions of the NL armed forces.”

Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Dutch Chief of Defense Gen. @onnoeichelsheim today at the Pentagon. The two military leaders exchanged views of the latest battlefield developments in Ukraine and other security interests. @usembthehague @US_EUCOM jcs.mil/Media/News/New…

@NLAmbassadorUSA @CDS_Defensie .@NLDefatUSA Rear Admiral Sebo Hofkamp presided over the Armed Forces Day reception and welcomed guests and gave opening remarks.

The Netherlands and the United States continue to work together to make the world safer and more secure. On #ArmedForcesDay, we celebrated and thanked the men and women who have answered the noble call of service.

In het geval van een aanval op een @NATO-bondgenoot is ons land een van de belangrijkste doorvoerlanden van militairen en materieel vanuit de VS. Het @JFCNorfolk is o.a. verantwoordelijk voor deze trans-Atlantische verbinding en is een belangrijke #partner van @Defensie. 🇺🇸🇳🇱

Good to be briefed on current and future developments by @NATO_SACT General Philippe Lavinge. Understanding the strategic priorities of @NATO helps strengthen and expand effective collaboration within the alliance. #StrongerTogether

Today it was Vererans day in the Netherlands, the Day to honor our Veterans.

Today we are reminded not only of our collective achievements, but also of the profound responsibility we carry at this moment: to uphold democracy, freedom of speech, and the international rules-based order.

Ranging from defense industrial base opportunities, civilian population resilience, and the level of European autonomy, our morning was filled with fruitful exchanges.