Task force supply ship "Berlin" departs for the "Atlantic Bear" manoeuvre

On Sunday, 3 August 2025, the task force provider "Berlin" will leave its home port of Wilhelmshaven under the command of frigate captain Karsten Uwe Schlüter. When the ship sets sail, there will also be people on board during the voyage who you would not expect to see on a warship with strict security measures: journalists. In this way, the German Navy is creating the opportunity to be up close and personal and to get to know the ship and crew. In times when security and defence policy issues are of great interest, but there is a lack of experts in the media, this is certainly a good move. The aim is to enter into dialogue with media professionals and also do something for the media. It is certainly not altruistic, because it is also associated with image cultivation and recruiting new talent. You can also dispel myths, break down prejudices and build trust. The fact that you allow journalists to travel with you shows that you have great confidence in your men and women, that you have nothing to hide and can be proud of. Although the offer is not new - other NATO partners also offer similar programmes - the tense times do not stop at the high seas. You can embark from Reykjavik (Iceland) to Nuuk (Greenland) from 11 August to 17 August 2025 and from Nuuk (Greenland) to Halifax (Canada) from 19 August to 28 August 2025.

The ship will take part in multinational manoeuvres both in the northern North Atlantic and off the coast of the United States and will visit Greenland for the first time. The main task of the "Berlin" will be the logistical supply of the participating warships of the partner countries at sea. The ship's crew will visit numerous harbours during the voyage. The "Berlin" will be the first warship of the German Navy to arrive in Nuuk (Greenland). Also an embassy.

The ship is expected to arrive in New York City and Norfolk to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Navy and the US Marine Corps. "We are all delighted that after a long dry spell ashore, followed by intensive training, the 'Berlin' is finally getting underway," said Commander Frigate Captain Schlüter. "In addition to participating in exercises in the northern North Atlantic, we will also be taking part in a multinational manoeuvre further south off the coast of the USA with

friendly navies. Both projects serve to increase the operational readiness and training level of the crew on the one hand, but also demonstrate our willingness to be present and vigilant in various challenging operational areas together with our international partners," he explained on the departure of the task force provider.

The ship will return to Wilhelmshaven shortly before Christmas.