Minehunting boat "Datteln" returns from NATO mission

On 20 June 2025, before the start of Kieler Woche, the minehunting boat "Datteln" returns to its home port of Kiel. For a total of six months, the boat was part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG 1) and was involved in the Baltic MCM Ex 2025, Open Spirit and BALTOPS manoeuvres. Under the command of frigate captain Marcus Fiene, the 42 men and women of the crew have travelled around 12,000 nautical miles and called at several other ports in the Baltic Sea in addition to Helsinki, Copenhagen, Karlskrona and Visby. A special event was the visit to Visby. Here, a search of the entire harbour and the seabed around the berths was carried out in cooperation with the Swedish Navy. For the crew of the "Datteln" it is now time to enjoy their time at home and Kiel Week. Over the next few months, the "Datteln" will continue to be on a heightened state of readiness in order to provide support as part of an increased presence in the Baltic and North Sea if required.