Novelty in Stralsund: three tenders at once

Three tenders for International Women's Day

Good ideas usually come from networking. One of these meetings is the Navy's annual historical-tactical conference, which is a great place to socialise. You meet this and that, talk about this and that and, above all, that. In conversation with former members of the fast boat squadron, word got around that three supply ships - including a fast boat tender - were planning to call at Stralsund's city harbour at the beginning of March, to coincide with International Women's Day.

Visitors receive flowers from the constable at the Open Ship in Stralsund. Photo: Daniel Angres.

What followed was pragmatism: we have an idea, we see who wants to take part and organise an event that presents the navy in a rather atypical port. However, Women's Day requires a little more than just an "open ship". Who would come empty-handed as a guest? Long story shortThe press information centre of the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state command quickly found a fellow campaigner - the "enabler" - and supported the support squadron and the Parow naval technology school in their plans.

Nautical challenges

The arrival of the three tenders from Kiel in Stralsund city harbour had to be captured on film. Observers were treated to an intense backlit scene that ruthlessly exposed the negligence of many a photographer when it came to material maintenance. The ships began their passage through the Ziegelgrabenbrücke with a requested extension of the bridge opening times so that all three units could pass at the same time. This rather rare visit to the city harbour was followed with great interest by the residents of the Hanseatic city.

The arrival of the tender "Donau" in the city harbour of Stralsund. Photo: Daniel Angres

Open Ship and recruiting young talent

The planned "Open Ship" on the tender "Donau" benefited from perfect meteorological conditions, which Peter kindly provided. Within four hours and thanks to personally presented floral gifts by the constable of the "Donau", almost 2,000 guests were counted on International Women's Day. During their stay on board, many visitors received a small gift to commemorate Women's Day, which has been celebrated since 1921.

The career counsellor at the Stralsund site immediately agreed to take part after overcoming bureaucratic hurdles - through official channels. She was even presented with a bouquet of flowers by one of her "protégés" during the visit - a real sign of appreciation! Good career counselling does not seem to be a 9-to-5 job. It takes motivated career counsellors to find the right people for the service for the Navy.

The Naval Academy also promoted the Armed Forces Day on 28 June 2025 in Stralsund and was able to provide numerous interested parties with further information about the event.

Photo: Daniel Angres.

Sparkling wine or seltzer?

After the extremely successful weekend on the Strelasund, it's back out on the Baltic Sea. In addition to extensive driving exercises for young officers of the watch, the support squadron will also be promoting specialist training in seamanship and sea supply manoeuvres in the truest sense of the word at the Parow Naval Technology School. In addition, two student commanders will be tested for their ability to command a class 404 tender. Will there be champagne or seltzer at the end of the squadron training? When new names appear in the fleet list, you know how it turned out. Maximum success to both commander trainees!

Text/Pictures: Daniel Angres