The Dutch Royal Navy frigate HNLMS Van Amstel docked in the bay of Sint Annabaai, Curaçao, late yesterday, September 11th. The frigate is expected to become active in the Caribbean region soon, marking its return to the area where it previously operated for three months in 2017. This development follows observations of U.S. Air Force transport aircraft flying towards Puerto Rico earlier on September 12th, and reports of Bolivarian military aviation F-16 activity near Maracay. The arrival of the HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) in Curaçao was reported via social media on September 11th. The frigate's deployment signifies an increased naval presence in the Caribbean. Earlier on September 12th, between 3:01 PM UTC and 4:01 PM UTC, two U.S. Air Force transport aircraft, a C-5M Super Galaxy (85-0003) under call sign RCH2008 and a C-17A Globemaster III (06-6157) under RCH674, were tracked flying towards La Ceiba, Puerto Rico. Another C-17A was anticipated to depart Puerto Rico later that day. The specific purpose of these U.S. military transports has not been officially disclosed. Separately, a report on September 12th mentioned an "active dragon formation" involving F-16 aircraft of the Bolivarian military aviation near Maracay.
