The weather gods were not super kind to Damen Naval during its annual summer BBQ. Fortunately, the predicted heavy rain had mostly fallen in the morning, and although temperatures were cool and an occasional drop fell, it was largely dry with occasional room for sunshine. Despite the weather, it was a well-attended, festive, and successful barbecue.

The event was held for the first time at the Lasloods, where the Christmas party has also been celebrated for the past two years. The venue had been transformed inside and outside into a festival area with tents, food stations, a photo booth, and a mechanical surfboard where the challenge was to remain standing. Some colleagues thought they had a better chance if they clung to the surfboard lying down, but they too soon ended up next to the board.

Roland Briene. Roland Briene.

Creedence Commotion Revival, the band of HSSEQ Manager Robert Boudens, was the first musical act of the evening, followed by A Gogo Band, DJ Sandstorm, and DJ Irwan.
In his opening speech, Managing Director Roland Briene welcomed the guests. “It feels a bit like Pinkpop here, with two bands on two stages, DJs, and all the tents and decoration. It’s good to welcome people from Vlissingen-Stad, Vlissingen-Oost and Schiedam. And a special welcome to representatives of our German client BAAINBw.”

Several company and project updates have been shared with colleagues recently, so Roland kept his speech short and to the point. He closed with a compliment: “The reason the German government chose to order a fifth and sixth F126 frigate has everything to do with you guys. They have confidence in our company, and we all contributed to that.”

Check out the photo impression below.

To overview