Frigate "Baden-Württemberg" fulfils wishes

Despite IPD obligations: Time for good deeds

Donation to the youth welfare organisation. from left: Kea Ostermann, Andreas Deneser, Tanja Kiefer, Claas Ohnesorge, Chief Petty Officer Müller, Frigate Captain Koch, Chief Petty Officer Klink, Neele Otten, Lieutenant Commander Westphal, Chief Petty Officer Hoer, Lieutenant Lundszien.

The ECHO crew of the "Baden-Württemberg" sailed the ship from San Diego to Singapore. It was weeks of training - alone and in association with partner nations from all over the world with ships, submarines and aircraft. In good maritime tradition, during the port call in Manila (Philippines) in September 2024, a large number of the gifts received during the tour, homemade items, flags of the association and the partner nations were auctioned off among the crew for charitable purposes. The first officer of the frigate at the time and interim commander of the F125 ECHO crew, frigate captain Alexander Koch, reported that a total of 12,500 euros was raised. The aim was to support organisations in Wilhelmshaven. On 26 November, the soldiers were able to support the GPS WHV (Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Paritätische Sozialarbeit) with items worth 4,500 euros and on 27 November the Bundeswehr-Sozialwerk with 4,000 euros. In addition, on 28 November, the donation to the Wilhelmshaven children's hospice was supported with almost 4,000 euros.

The frigates of the Bundeswehr often support organisations from the sponsoring federal states, but in this case it was decided that donations were more necessary at home than in financially strong Baden-Württemberg. Following the decommissioning of the frigate "Niedersachsen", there are no longer any such campaigns for local organisations. "However, the navy is represented in Wilhelmshaven with a large base," says the commander, frigate captain Alexander Koch, explaining the decision.