The Portuguese Navy frigate D. Francisco de Almeida (F334) is currently sailing to Den Helder (Netherlands), where he is expected to arrive next Monday, July 13 2020, in order to continue, as planned, the modernization project (Midlife Upgrade). This modernization to the NRP D. Francisco de Almeida, in addition to extending, in time, the permanence in the Portuguese Navy, will allow increasing its capacities of action and response. The Midlife Upgrade Program (MLU) includes the modernization of weapons, sensors and communications systems and some of the equipment related to propulsion, ship manoeuvre and energy distribution. The frigate left Lisbon’s Naval Base last Wednesday and is expected to return to Portugal in 2022.
NRP Dom Francisco de Almeida (F334) is a Karel Doorman-class frigate of the Portuguese Navy. Prior to 29 March 2007, the ship was known as HNLMS Van Galen (F834) (Dutch: Hr.Ms. Van Galen). HNLMS Van Galen is a ship of the Karel Doorman class of multi-purpose frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Built by the shipyard Koninklijke Schelde Groep in Vlissingen. HNLMS Van Galen is one of eight Karel Doorman-class frigates and built at the Koninklijke Schelde Groep yard in Vlissingen. The keel laying took place on 7 June 1990 and the launching on 21 November 1992. The ship was put into service on 1 December 1994. The ship participated in the UNIFIL mission off the coast of Lebanon.