Change of inspector in Berlin

There are only a few events in the Inspector General's diary that he can only attend once in this position. For General Eberhard Zorn, one such event took place today: This afternoon, Zorn handed over command of the German Navy from Vice Admiral Andreas Krause to Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach. This marks the end of an exceptionally long time at the helm of the Navy for Krause. For six and a half years, he was able to steer the fortunes of Germany's smallest armed force. During his time in office, he not only initiated the transformation of the Bundeswehr, but also commissioned the first Class 125 frigates. The former submarine commander and deputy commander of NATO's allied naval forces now has time to spend with his family and pursue his hobbies in retirement.
Admiral Krause and his family had the navy to themselves once again as a farewell gift: on board the Marine 1Krause enjoyed a short trip through the capital's canals with his family on board the navy's VIP launch.

Farewell on board the Marine 1 with the family

The new man: Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach

Vice Admiral Schönbach joined the navy in 1984 and, following his studies and officer training, was an exchange officer in the Netherlands, among other things. He ended his time at sea as commander of the frigate Meckelenburg-Western Pomerania. His last position in the Navy was as Commander of the Mürwik Naval Academy before he moved to the Federal Ministry of Defence in Berlin as Deputy Head of the Strategy and Operations Department.
The Navy is breaking new ground with the handover: due to the pandemic, the short ceremony will take place in a very small group. For the same reason, the outgoing inspector will not be given the customary taps. However, Admiral Krause can take a small consolation home with him: A special edition of the marineforums which summarises the outstanding stages of his time as inspector. The booklet was printed in a very small one-off edition and was only given to the outgoing inspector and a few close companions and confidants.

Title of the marineforum special edition

The editors of the marineforums wishes Vice-Admiral Krause all the best in this new phase of his life. We wish Vice-Admiral Schönbach luck and success in his new position!

Text: mb; Photo: Bundeswehr/Björn Wilke