Presentation of the combat medal to the crew of the frigate "Hessen"

On Monday, 2 September at 08:50, the ceremony for the awarding of the combat medal to the crew of the frigate "Hessen" took place.

Frigate Captain Volker Kübsch, Photo: Bw/Leon Rodewald

In addition to this medal, the national and EU medals were also awarded. The frigate and its crew members are the first closed contingent of the Bundeswehr to be honoured with this operational medal. The event honours the exceptional commitment and special services of the crew members, who have made a significant contribution to security and stability in the Red Sea as part of EUNAVFOR (European Union Naval Force) Aspides. The award ceremony will take place in the presence of Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller and high-ranking military representatives, such as the Deputy Commander of Operations Command, Rear Admiral Jörg Klein, and the Commander of the Fleet and Support Forces, Vice Admiral Frank Lenski. In his speech, Greek Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Operational Commander of EUNAVFOR Aspides, recognised the importance of the deployment of the frigate "Hessen". "It is a strong and appreciative sign of the achievements of all the crew members of the 'Hessen' that the commander of EU Operation Aspides is personally awarding the EU Operational Medal to the crew," said the commander of the 2nd Frigate Squadron, Frigate Captain Jan Hackstein. "I am particularly pleased that today we are also honouring the men and women of the 'Hessen' with the Aspides National Service Medal and especially with the Combat Medal. After all, the frigate 'Hessen' is the first warship of the German Navy to have seen combat and proved its worth," he continued.