Tromp's suspension followed an uncertain northern action and political frustration that he had not destroyed the Commonwealth fleet. The States General wanted a commander committed to aggressive battle and selected Witte de With, a loyal supporter of the States party. Many sailors and officers remained attached to Tromp, while De With's personal enmity with Johan Evertsen drove the Zeeland commander from service. The appointment therefore added Orange-versus-States politics and inter-admiralty hostility to a fleet already divided by region and command seniority.
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De With replaces Tromp amid factional naval politics
Tromp's suspension elevated Witte de With, but the appointment sharpened personal, regional, and Orange-versus-States rivalries inside the Dutch fleet.