Royal Netherlands Navy

The Koninklijke Marine (Royal Netherlands Navy ) is the navy of the Netherlands.

Related Topics:
Navy - Netherlands

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By decree of Maximillian of Austria, on 8th of January 1488, the present Royal Netherlands Navy was formed. However, it was Royal only at the establishement of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815.

Related Topics:
Maximillian of Austria - 8th of January - 1488 - Kingdom of the Netherlands - 1815

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This date is not to be mistaken with the founding date of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, a part of the Royal Netherlands Navy, which was founded on 10 December, 1665, as the "Regiment de Marine", following a concept resolution by Johan de Witt and Michiel de Ruyter which was presented to the parliament (Staten-Generaal) of the United Provinces in August 1665.

Related Topics:
Royal Netherlands Marine Corps - 10 December - 1665 - Johan de Witt - Michiel de Ruyter - United Provinces

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The names of the ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy are prefixed with Hr.Ms. (Her Majesty's or Hare Majesteit's in Dutch) or for historical ships, Zr.Ms (His Majesty's or Zijne Majesteit's). Both prefixes are commonly translated into English as HNLMS.

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It's a widespread idea among the Netherlands Navy that the highest rank, a full Admiral (admiraal in Dutch, equivalent to Field-Marshal or Fleet Admiral), is reserved for a royal prince or even the king. However, there is no law to formally support this. In fact the rank was officially abandoned in 1956, though not formally abolished. The Royal connection appeared presumably in the 19th century when 2 royal princes held the rank.

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The famous Michiel de Ruyter was a lieutenant-admiral (4 star). The last lieutenant-admirals promoted served during the Second World War. Since then only a few navy officers hold the rank when appointed Chief of Defence Staff, a function which circulates between the Navy, Air Force and Army (Army and Air Force officers will become full Generals when being appointed to CDS). The rank of vice-admiral (3 star) is the most senior rank in use by commanding admirals in the RNLN.

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