Damen Naval recently welcomed a visit from the Netherlands Inspector General of the Armed Forces (IGAF), Vice Admiral Boudewijn Boots. The IGAF visited the Head Office in Vlissingen for discussions with Managing Director Roland Briene and Director Corporate Strategy and Innovation Richard Keulen. He also took time to speak with veterans and reservists who are currently working for the company.

Text: Eefje Koppers

“It is special for several reasons that the IGAF visited Damen Naval,” says Richard. “First of all, he is the most senior military adviser who provides independent advice to the Minister of Defence. He acts as a kind of ombudsman and produces an annual report. The Ministry of Defence is a very large organisation, and it is important to have someone like him who can assess whether the organisation is healthy and functioning properly.”

"The Netherlands Inspector General of the Armed Forces has extensive experience with Damen Naval, as he has sailed on many of our ships.” Richard Keulen

In addition, Vice Admiral Boots has served exclusively in the Royal Netherlands Navy, where he has built up an impressive career since 1986, Richard explains. “He has extensive experience with Damen Naval, as he has sailed on many of our ships.”

The IGAF is also the Inspector of Veterans, which brings Richard to the third reason why the visit was special. “We employ many veterans and reservists, and during the visit several of them had the opportunity to speak with him. In this way, he saw all three elements of his role reflected within our company. It was a valuable visit.”

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