 The frigate is named after Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1607–1676).From 2005 until 2007 "De Ruyter" was commanded by Rob Bauer, during which period she was deployed to the Mediterranean as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 as part of the NATO Response Force in Operation Active Endeavour.In late 2006, Bauer was deployed to Bahrain for five months as Deputy Commander of Combined Task Force 150 in Operation Enduring Freedom.