The Dutch Naval Air Force Against Japan The Dutch, with their Naval Air Force or Marine Luchtvaart Dienst (MLD), made a significant?and often overlooked?contribution to the Allied effort during World War II. With their 175 aircraft in 1941, the MLD in Southeast Asia outnumbered American and British naval air reconnaissance forces combined. This work details the actions of MLD during the Japanese invasion of the Netherlands East Indies. ... Full description