Visit to the Navy base in Zeebrugge

As part of their training programme, auditors from the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) were welcomed to the naval base in Zeebrugge. It was a day full of discoveries, between reflection and operational demonstrations.

Embarking aboard the CASTOR: setting sail for operational duties

The day began on a patrol ship, the CASTOR. After a safety briefing, the auditors set sail.

The programme at sea included:

• demonstration of winching with an NH90 helicopter,
• guided tour of the ship,
• navigation in anchorage areas and wind farms,
• presentation of maritime patrol missions.

Return to port and specialised demonstrations

Back in port, the auditors attended several sequences illustrating the diversity of the Navy’s skills:

• demonstration by the Special Forces’ Blue Squadron on the diving platform, with a presentation of new equipment,
• presentation of the rMCM project (replacement of Mine Counter Measure vessels) by the Operations Department (D-OPS),
• introduction to the Navy and its missions, given by a senior Maritime Operations Center (MOC) officer,
• visit to the Opsroom (operations centre), after a joint MOC/MIK introduction.

A strategic vision of maritime defence

Building on the lessons learned from previous seminars, auditors could put their operational immersion within the Navy into perspective with current geopolitical issues.

📌 Find out more about HSSD and their seminars: Session 2024-2025