HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 was was commissioned as the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63), 17 January 1945. She was sold to the Netherlands on 1 April 1948.
In 1955-58 she was rebuilt with an 8° angled flight deck, new elevators, new island, 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and steam catapult.
In 1960 HNLMS Karel Doorman was involved with the de-colonization of Western New Guinea, where she delivered twelve Hawker Hunter fighters to the local Dutch defence forces.
After a 1964 re-fit, her role was changed to anti-submarine warfare and only ASW aircraft and helicopters were carried. A boiler-room fire in 1968 saw her withdrawn from service with the Royal Netherlands Navy.
HNLMS Karel DoormanHNLMS Karel DoormanHNLMS Karel DoormanHNLMS Karel Doorman launching a Hawker Sea FuryHNLMS Karel Doorman (R-81) with Grumman Avenger aircraft on deck, 1959HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 in 1960HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 with Grumman Trackers on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman R-81HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81HNLMS De Ruyter, Karel Doorman (center) and De Zeven ProvincienHNLMS Karel Doorman R-81HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81HNLMS Karel Doorman. in PapuaHNLMS Karel Doorman in Hollandia, New Guinea, using aircraft propellers to dock the ship.HNLMS Karel Doorman with USS Enterprise (CVN-65)HNLMS Karel Doorman berthing at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, On 6 November 1968 with Grumman Trackers on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman R81 departs Rotterdam for New Guinea 20 May1960HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 in 1962An aircraft on final approach to HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81An aircraft on final approach to HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81An aircraft on final approach to HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81Karel Doorman R81Karel Doorman R81Karel Doorman R81Karel Doorman R81
Aircraft Operations
Grumman Avenger
HNLMS Karel Doorman (R-81) with Grumman Avenger aircraft on deck, 1959HNLMS Karel Doorman with Grumman Avenger and Hawker Sea Hawks on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 with Grumman Avengers on deck
Grumman Tracker
HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81 with Grumman Trackers on deckHNLMS Karel Doorman berthing at Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, On 6 November 1968 with Grumman Trackers on deck
Hawker Sea Fury
HNLMS Karel Doorman launching a Hawker Sea Fury
Hawker Sea Hawk
HNLMS Karel Doorman with Grumman Avenger and Hawker Sea Hawks on deckHawker Sea Hawk on Karel Doorman R81Hawker Sea Hawk on HNLMS Karel Doorman R81Hawker Sea Hawk on Karel Doorman R81
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