New commander for the 2nd Frigate Squadron

Change of command took place on the "Hessen"

Change of command 2nd frigate squadron

On Thursday, 16 February 2023 at 14:30, Flotilla Admiral Axel Schulz (52) handed over command of the 2nd Frigate Squadron from Kapitän zur See Torben Jürgensen (47) to the squadron's new commander, Frigate Captain Olliver Pfennig (48). The handover ceremony took place on the frigate "Hessen" at the Heppenser Groden naval base in Wilhelmshaven. After only 16 months in office, Jürgensen was called to Berlin as Adjutant to the Inspector General of the German Armed Forces. For his successor, the takeover is linked to a return to his home squadron. The change was carried out on the ship on which Pfennig was commander, the frigate "Hessen".

"It was a short but very eventful time for me as commander of the 2nd Frigate Squadron and I am proud that I was able to lead this squadron," says Kapitän zur See Jürgensen. The outgoing commander only took over command in 2021. He is now moving to the Federal Ministry of Defence and will take up his post as Adjutant to the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr.

The commander of Flotilla 2, Flotilla Admiral Axel Schulz, praised Jürgensen as an officer who led with clear guidelines and gave his commanders the necessary degree of freedom to fulfil their tasks. In particular, he praised his ability to analyse, his tenacity in the matter and his authentic manner.

Change of command in the 4th frigate squadron Photo: Straus

The event was attended by numerous guests of honour from politics and the Bundeswehr in overcast but dry weather. The Naval Music Corps under the direction of Frigate Captain Prock provided a worthy setting. His successor was already first officer on the frigate "Sachsen" and commanded the "Hessen" for three years from 2016. "I am proud and grateful to be able to return to the place where I have already had great experiences as commander," says frigate captain Pfennig, looking forward to his new role. His last post was in the office of Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller as a technical officer in Berlin.

Frigate Hessen. Photo: German Navy/Brakensiek