In 1783, a squadron consisting of the ships Vrijheid, Noordholland, Hercules, Drenthe, Prins Willem and Harlingen was dispatched to the Mediterranean to deal with differences that had arisen with Venice.

On 2 February 1784, the squadron docked at the coast near the island of Menorca.

In the night between 3 and 4 February, a storm struck which lasted for 48 hours.

Vrijheid was almost smashed on the rocks and only just managed to stay afloat, while Drenthe keeled over and sank.

On 11 October 1797, Vrijheid took part in the Battle of Camperdown as the flagship of Admiral Jan Willem de Winter.