The frigate was named after Dutch naval hero Jacob van Heemskerck.

[2] In 1996 she made a trip to Norway with the frigates Bloys van Treslong, Willem van der Zaan, Tromp and the replenishment ship Amsterdam.

[3] After the September 11 attacks the ship became part of Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) for which she was sent to the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea where she participated in operation Direct Endeavour.

[2] In 2003 she served for five months as flagship of the Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED).

[2] On 2 December 2004 the vessel was decommissioned was and sold to the Chilean Navy.