The high flyer

Our Person of the Year has not only become a focal point for the naval aviators. Captain Thorsten Bobzin has left his mark on the naval aviators in difficult times.

In mid-November, Rear Admiral Jürgen zur Mühlen, Commander of Operations and Head of Operations, handed over command of the Naval Aviation Command from Captain Thorsten Bobzin to Captain Broder Nielsen. The cool weather did not deter the many invited guests from attending in large numbers. Bobzin faced numerous challenges during his time in command: He was jointly responsible for the introduction of the NH 90 NTH Sea Lion multi-purpose helicopter and getting it on the way to operational capability. The decision on the successor to the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and the development of new digital training concepts also bear his signature. In a time of numerous upheavals, from official assistance during the corona pandemic to dealing with the reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this was an eventful time for the Naval Aviation Command. In his farewell speech, Bobzin emphasised the flexibility and efficiency of the naval aviators. "I don't actually want to be at the front here," he emphasised, referring to his attachment to his post. During his farewell speech, he emphasised the special relationship with the international allies - some of the speech was therefore in English. As a special gesture, he honoured three deserving servicemen and women for their outstanding achievements - on behalf of the members of the command - with the Bundeswehr Cross of Honour in Gold. Bobzin, himself a helicopter pilot, held the highest office of the naval aviators for four years and made his mark during this time. In future, he will be working at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Bonn.

Captain Thorsten Bobzin (right) hands over the troop flag to Captain Broder Nielsen

Captain Nielsen will be the fifth commander since the establishment of the naval aviation command in October 2012. He is no stranger to the Nordholz naval air base. Before his last assignment at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Personnel Management in Cologne, he was Chief of Staff at the Naval Aviation Command. The handover ceremony was accompanied by music from the Hanover Army Music Corps on the grounds of the Nordholz naval air base. As a special gesture, the ceremony was interrupted for a minute's silence to honour the fallen in the Ukraine war.

At the subsequent reception in the officers' mess, everyone had the traditional opportunity to speak to the outgoing and new commanders in person, with the Who's Who of naval aviators and former commanders in attendance, as well as the commanders of the operational flotillas and representatives of the Bundeswehr's personnel management, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the Navy's schools. Cooperation with allies was also emphasised during the ceremony.

Captain at sea Broder Nielsen

Our "Man of the Year"

Just like last year, when we won this title for the first time in the marine forum to the then commander of the Gorch Fock, Captain Niels Brand, was an easy choice for the editorial team. Captain Torsten Bobzin has led the command of the naval aviators through a challenging time. The naval aviators are currently involved in a radical change: All weapon systems are being renewed and brought to operational readiness within a few years, maintenance has been reorganised, the infrastructure is under construction and much more, from the digitalisation of training to personnel regeneration, there is and was a lot to manage. Thorsten Bobzin has earned deep respect as a confident commander who stood for renewal and creativity, who always calmly and thoughtfully turned over every stone, who stood by his naval aviators in a spirit of comradeship. With his media work, he proved what leadership in the armed forces of the 21st century is all about. As Persond of the Year, we honour a modern troop leader who is representative of the great naval aviators in Nordholz.

Photos: Bw/Crown

Holger Schlüter