The minehunter "Dillingen" will return to its home port of Kiel on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, in time for Christmas after a six-month deployment as the German contribution to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1).

The crew consisted of 35 men and six women as well as a Portuguese mine diving team. The "Dillingen" had already set sail on 8 July under the command of Corvette Captain Finn Fritz to join the association. There was a change of commander during the mission: Corvette Captain Alexander Stolze took over command from the previous commander because he was required for another important assignment. The new commander emphasised that the crew had quickly grown together as a team and that the procedures and priorities had been successfully established.

The operation was considered a complete success, especially the international cooperation, which was characterised by mutual support and team spirit. In addition to numerous manoeuvres such as Sandy Coast, Northern Coast and Freezing Winds, the focus was on the removal of contaminated sites in the Baltic Sea and the presence in the region. A total of 419 underwater contacts were identified and nine of these were blown up. The crew can now enjoy the festive season with their families before new tasks await them in the new year. The Portuguese divers have now made the long journey back home.

hsc