Before the world's largest manoeuvre

German naval vessels in Pearl Harbour

IPD unit in Pearl Harbour Photo: Bundeswehr / Nico Theska

Yesterday, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" arrived in Pearl Harbour in Honolulu, Hawaii. Both ships are currently on Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) and are now preparing for the world's largest maritime manoeuvre, "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC), on the American island state. Around 25,000 soldiers from 29 nations with 40 ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces and over 150 aircraft and helicopters are taking part in the exercise, which is led by the US Navy and takes place every two years. After setting sail on 9 July, they will train together in submarine hunting, air defence, combat exercises against surface targets, amphibious operations, mine hunting as well as intercepting and searching civilian ships.

Task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" off the coast of Hawaii Photo: Bundeswehr / Nico Theska

During the 14-day stay in port, the crews of the German ships prepare intensively for the upcoming manoeuvre together with their international partners. The men and women also have the opportunity to explore the island and get to know the country and its people.

The Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 so far

The Indo-Pacific Deployment is the German Navy's most important defence diplomacy and enhanced security cooperation project this year. On 7 May, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" sailed from Rota in Spain and the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" departed from Wilhelmshaven for the seven-month project. After the ships met west of the French coast, they crossed the Atlantic together. Ports in Halifax and New York, including participation in the US Navy's Fleet Week, followed. After four days, the journey continued, first along the east coast of the USA, then through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal. In the last port of call in San Diego, California, a crew change took place on the frigate "Baden-Württemberg". The crews use every day at sea for intensive training and further preparations for upcoming tasks. The crossing from the American mainland to Hawaii, which was completed over the past nine days, took place together with four other nations and a total of eight ships. The IPD ends at the beginning of December 2024.

The security policy background

Task force supply ship "Frankfurt am Main" in the harbour of Pearl Harbour Photo: Bundeswehr/ Nico Theska

For seven months, from May to December, the German naval forces will fly the flag worldwide with a task force consisting of two ships - the frigate "Baden-Württemberg", supported by the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main". This year's IPD, like the Navy's previous deployment in 2021, will once again demonstrate Germany's commitment to free and secure sea lanes, a rules-based international order and enhanced maritime security cooperation. In addition to port visits to strategic partners, the two German ships will take part in several exercises with one or more partner nations.