[5][6] The ships were designed in the Netherlands and build between 1958 and 1962 at several different Dutch shipyards.

[7][4] The costs of the class was split between the United States and the Netherlands.

[1] Furthermore, they could be equipped with the M Mk 6h which would give the ships a magnetic sweeping ability.

[1] The minesweepers were used to sweep mines in shallow and narrow inland waters.

[10] The ships were named after officers, sailors and other personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy that distinguished themselves during the Second World War and/or the Indonesian War of Independence and were awarded posthumously either the Military Order of William or Bronze Cross for their service.