Navy establishes new "Centre for Naval Tactics"

As of today, the "Naval Tactics Centre" is part of the Naval Operations School in Bremerhaven

Today, 4 October 2022, in the presence of Rear Admiral Christoph Müller-Meinhard, Commander Support and Head of the Operational Support Department at the Naval Command, and the Commander of the Naval Operations School, Captain Jens Grimm, the "Naval Tactical Centre" was newly established in Bremerhaven. This took place as part of a ceremonial roll call on the premises of the naval tactics centre. Its head, Captain Thomas Hacken, emphasised that the establishment of the "Naval Tactical Centre" will bundle operational training and tactical development capabilities in a future-proof manner. This means that the German Navy is now on a par with the Maritime Warfare Centres of its maritime partner nations.

"Centre for Maritime Tactics" - training building. Photo: Inken Behne

The newly created centre builds on the existing naval tactics centre in Bremerhaven, the central training centre for naval warfare in Germany. The new approach with the creation of the "Naval Tactics Centre" now means the combination of training and development. The aim is to update the operational principles and procedures of naval warfare. The content and findings developed at the centre will then be incorporated directly into naval tactics training. A particular focus will be on national and alliance defence, including the identification of future threats. In addition, the requirements of international crisis management at sea will also be taken into account.

The reason for the reorganisation is not to be found in the current political situation and is not a reaction to the war in Ukraine. Rather, the navy has recognised the need to deepen its maritime tactical capabilities for several years now. Initially, the capabilities for further development in training operations were strengthened five years ago. The reinvigorated focus on national and alliance defence - known in Bundeswehr jargon as LV/BV - led to the decision in 2021 to establish a further organisationally strengthened element. In recent years, operational commitments - such as ATALANTA or UNIFIL - have led to a loss of capabilities and training, particularly in mine warfare and submarine hunting. Countermeasures need to be taken here.

"Centre Seetaktik" - with new door sign. Photo: Inken Behne

The Operations School is the perfect place for the new element, as it is the German Navy's central training centre for naval warfare, navigation and communication. This is where the soldiers learn their craft for deployment in the fleet. In addition to the operations centres, their workplaces also include the bridges and radio rooms of warships. At the Naval Operations School, they familiarise themselves with the ever-changing tactical situations at sea. The training personnel are experienced in operations and have the necessary expertise.