Double change of command in the 2nd FGschw

On Friday, 6 October 2023, a double change of command took place in the 2nd Frigate Squadron. Under overcast skies and in almost autumnal temperatures, Frigate Captain Jan Fitschen (45) was replaced after three and a half years in command of the frigate HAMBURG by Frigate Captain Andreas Schmidt (42), who had previously handed over command of the frigate SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN to Frigate Captain Bastian Saphörster (42).

Crews lined up at the Wilhelmshaven base. Photo: H. Straus

The squadron commander, Captain Olliver Pfenning (48), emphasised the special nature of this double transfer in his speeches. On the one hand it is a "burden sharing", on the other a "win-win situation". By this he meant sharing the challenging conversion of the SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN as a "type ship" of the F123B class between two commanders, as well as the opportunity for its former commander to gain further operational experience for later assignments.

No change without appreciation! Photo: H. Straus

Kapitän zur See Pfennig once again emphasised the essential need to get operational ships through a shipyard laytime more quickly and predictably. It is FKpt Saphörster's task to get this important new weapon system up and running while keeping the crew's morale high - a demanding leadership task! Pfennig: "He knows the administrative processes and is able to set the right tone."

FKpt Saphörster is looking forward to returning to familiar planks, having already served for eight years in various roles on the "SOPHIE-X", as the ship is nicknamed. For him, the important thing during the refit is to look ahead and remove any obstacles that have been recognised.

For FKpt Fitschen, a period in command on the frigate HAMBURG ends, which was initially characterised by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This was followed by challenging manoeuvre phases and firing sections as well as a period in the shipyard in Wilhelmshaven. In future, he will pass on his experience from two commanding officer periods (S-boat and frigate) to the next generation at the Naval Operations School.

For FKpt Schmidt, his transfer to the HAMBURG opens up the opportunity to lead his ship through the complete operational training with the aim of being part of a NATO organisation in 2024. "All efforts must be geared towards the goal of an operational crew," says Schmidt. Over the past year, in addition to a deployment to UNIFIL lasting several months, he worked with the squadron to develop the initial conceptual basis for the deployment of the new F123B weapon system.

The outgoing commanders emphasised the great reliability of their crews and highlighted their strong identification with their respective ships!

The event was accompanied by lively music from the Wilhelmshaven Naval Music Corps under the direction of FKpt Matthias Prock.