In a joint press release from the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Government announced its decision to reduce the forces of the task force for a military evacuation operation. For this reason, the departure of the task force provider "Bonn" planned for 23 November is not necessary. A possible evacuation of German citizens via a seagoing naval unit will continue to be ensured without restriction. The "Frankfurt am Main" is currently on a NATO support mission in the Aegean. It was intended to replace her with the "Bonn". The ship and crew of the "Frankfurt am Main" were to be given the opportunity to prepare for the Indo-Pacific deployment next year. In response to the events in Israel and Gaza, a task force has been on standby in Cyprus since 28 October 2023 to evacuate German citizens in Israel and Lebanon.
Press release
"As a result, the evacuation force on standby in Cyprus will be reduced in close coordination with our international partners this week, starting tomorrow. An important part of the evacuation forces and equipment will remain in Cyprus in order to maintain a core capability for immediate action and for a possible military evacuation operation on the ground. The forces brought back to Germany will be kept on call at short notice in order to be able to react quickly if the situation deteriorates." reads the press release, which bears the date 21 November 2023.
Cold start
The "Bonn" had proven its cold start capability. She was originally due to take part in the Very High Readiness Joint Taskforce Maritime (VJTF M) from January 2024. Commander Frigate Captain Eike Deußen: "When the order came to prepare the ship and the crew for the earliest possible departure to the Mediterranean due to the political situation, everyone involved, from the crew to the naval arsenal to industry, pulled together very well. I am proud of my crew, they are behaving in an absolutely exemplary manner despite the fact that we are unplanned and will be absent over the Christmas period. .... Many of them have even voluntarily cancelled or cut short cures and holidays in order to be able to help with the preparations on board. I would like to thank all the departments and units that are supporting us with additional personnel! Now we are excited to see what awaits us."
If all goes well and the current situation is confirmed, the ship and crew will still be able to spend Christmas and New Year's Eve in their home port. But on packed suitcases and duffle bags!
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