Navy Doctor Celebrates His 60th Birthday at Sea

HNLMS Groningen is currently deployed with the European Union’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

As a naval reservist, Commander Van Walsum is part of the Advanced Resuscitation Team (ART) on board HNLMS Groningen.  The ART performs life-saving treatment on seriously wounded patients to keep them stable until they can be evacuated ashore for further medical treatment.

Commander Ariann Van Walsum was presented with a birthday cake and a picture of the HNLMS Groningen from the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Walter Hansen.