DATTELN on the way to the NATO mission

On 11 January 2025, at 10 a.m., the minehunting vessel "Datteln" will leave Kiel and become part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1) in the coming months. After months of training, the crew of the "Datteln", under the command of frigate captain Marcus Fiene, will become part of one of the four standing NATO formations. The commander is very confident about the months ahead: "A good team has grown together here during the operational training programme. The challenge now is to keep the crew continuously at a high level of concentration and professionalism so that, on the one hand, uncertainties are reduced and, on the other, every challenge can be met." Among other things, the OPEN SPIRIT and BALTOPS manoeuvres are planned for the 42-strong crew during the deployment period. All manoeuvres will mainly take place in the Baltic Sea. The "Datteln" is expected back in its home port for Kieler Woche 2025.