HNLMS Van Galen was an N-class destroyer originally built for the Royal Navy during World War II, designed as a repeat of the J-class but incorporating wartime modifications. The vessel displaced approximately 1,773 long tons at standard load and up to 2,384 long tons at deep load. It measured 339 feet 6 inches (103.5 meters) in length, with a beam of 35 feet 9 inches (10.9 meters) and a deep draught of 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 meters). Propulsion was provided by Parsons geared steam turbines powered by two Admiralty three-drum boilers, generating a total of 40,000 shaft horsepower, which allowed the ship to reach a maximum speed of 36 knots (67 km/h). The ship had an operational range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,200 km) at 15 knots, and its crew complement consisted of 183 officers and ratings. Armament on the Van Galen included six 4.7-inch (120 mm) Mark XII guns in three twin mounts—two superfiring forward and one aft—plus a single QF 4-inch (102 mm) anti-aircraft gun replacing the rear torpedo tube mount. Its anti-aircraft defenses comprised a quadruple 2-pounder (40 mm) mount, four single 20 mm Oerlikon guns, and two twin Vickers 0.5-inch machine guns. For torpedoes and anti-submarine warfare, the ship was equipped with one quintuple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tube mount, two depth charge throwers, and a rack for 45 depth charges. Built as HMS Noble (G84) for the British Royal Navy, the vessel was transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy shortly after its completion, where it was renamed HNLMS Van Galen. During its service through World War II, Van Galen actively participated in wartime operations. Notably, on 22 September 1952, during exercise Main Bruce, Van Galen collided with the British aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (R05) while refueling, sustaining minor damage. The ship was decommissioned and stricken from the naval register in October 1956, and subsequently scrapped in the Netherlands in February 1957. The Van Galen remains a significant example of wartime destroyer design and Dutch naval history.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.