This weekend thousands of visitors will be amazed during the Naval Days in Den Helder. The navy opens its doors to the public for two days. There is a lot of spectacle: there are demonstrations of rescue operations and teaching how to defuse mines.
“People can now see what we do and why we do it,” says naval officer Stefan de Haan. The organization has ensured that there is much to see and experience at the naval area for young and old.
There are meters long rows in front of the ships, such as for the Zr. ms. Karel Doorman, who all explained the gangplank for visitors. “I think it’s really cool that you can view the ships from the inside,” says a young visitor.
Mines and drugs
Demonstrations are given several times a day on the water. The quays are then full of curious visitors. For example, you can see how a mine in the water is defused, which causes a huge explosion.
The navy also demonstrates how they deal with a ship that may be carrying drugs. “It’s quite impressive how it all works,” says a visitor.
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Vacancies
The navy is happy with the enthusiastic visitors, but hopes to have people enthusiastic about coming to work for the navy after this weekend. “At the moment, the Ministry of Defense is struggling with many vacancies and we have already taken painful measures in the past to put ships aside,” says spokesman De Haan. “So if you’re considering a job in the Navy, this is the weekend to see if it’s for you.”