Captain at sea Nils Brandt leaves the ship after almost 8 years
On the coming Thursday sees a change of command over the Sail training ship "Gorch Fock". The commander of the naval school Mürwik, Flotilla Admiral Jens Nemeyer, hands over the responsibility from Captain to Captain. See Nils Brandt to Captain Andreas-Peter Graf von Kielmansegg. An eventful era comes to an end when Nils Brand's pennant is raised at the naval base in Kiel. When the outgoing commander left on 28 June 2014 took command of Germany's "ambassador in Weiß", he had no idea how long he would be commander and what a burden he would have to bear. Difficult waters followed for ship and crew. The The repeatedly extended stay at the shipyard and the associated media and political attention became the biggest challenge for the commander and his crew.
In the process, the actual goal, the "Gorch Fock" ready for sea again and to complete the training ship for the German Navy. But not for Nils Brandt, who with never gave up due to his personal commitment and passion. His firm Conviction of the necessity of this training ship always kept him and his crew on course. After exactly 2,834 days, the Bremerhaven native is now handing over command to his Successor. "After almost eight years, I am leaving with a heavy heart, of course. significantly longer than planned. On the other hand, there were phases in which I frequently I asked myself why I should still be doing this. In the end, my crew motivated again and again and my family, especially my wife, gave me great support. supported." After 25,000 nautical miles on the "Gorch Fock ", Brandt is thus exchanging his Commander's chamber in exchange for an office as head of teaching and deputy commander at the Naval school Mürwik.
For the new commanding officer, Captain Andreas-Peter Graf von Kielmansegg, it is exactly the opposite. As Group leader Operational training and Evaluation in the Naval Command, he is now swapping his desk for seafaring. Nevertheless The planks of the sail training ship are familiar territory for him. As early as 1996 and 2004 He served as a divisional officer and first mate on the "Gorch Fock". In addition, he was from 2010 to 2012 Commander of the frigate "Bayern".
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I warmly congratulate the new commander and wish him every success at sea. Karl-Erich Houtrouw
Nils is a true role model, a splendid naval officer and a good friend. He has done an infinite amount for the training of the navy and has done so with infinite personal stamina and without regard for himself. We, the navy and the future generations of naval officers who will be able to experience the Gorch Fock owe him a great deal. Thank you Nils!
At the same time, we need to look ahead and welcome Andreas on board. For many years, he has been waiting precisely and deliberately for this: a man of conviction and a leader! Have a good trip at all times, mast and sheet break, Andreas!