On the way to the world's largest maritime manoeuvre

German naval vessels enter the harbour of San Diego

IPD/entry into the harbour of San Diego, picture: Bundeswehr / Theska

On 11 June 2024, the frigate FGS "Baden-Württemberg" and the task force provider FGS "Frankfurt am Main" under the command of the commander of the task force, Flotilla Admiral Axel Schulz (53), sailed into the port of San Diego. They are on their way to "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC), the largest international maritime exercise in the world. Both ships are part of the German Navy's Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) 2024. The next stop on their journey will be Honolulu, Hawaii, where both ships will arrive on 26 June.

IPD/entry into the harbour of San Diego, picture: Bundeswehr / Theska

The Indo-Pacific Deployment (IPD) is the German Navy's most important project in the context of defence diplomacy and enhanced security cooperation in 2024. For seven months, from May to December, the German naval forces will fly the flag worldwide with a task force consisting of two ships: the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main". Like the Navy's previous deployment in 2021, this year's IPD will once again demonstrate Germany's commitment to free and secure sea lanes, a rules-based international order and enhanced maritime security cooperation. In addition to port visits to strategic partners, the two German ships will take part in several exercises with one or more partner nations.

IPD/entry into the harbour of San Diego, picture: Bundeswehr / Theska

One highlight is the US-led exercise RIMPAC 2024, in which around two dozen naval forces are taking part. In addition, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" and the task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" will be operationally involved in monitoring the UN sanctions against North Korea. In summary, IDP 2024 is an important maritime defence diplomacy project that includes a wide range of naval exercises with international partners and participation in various operations.

Text: German Armed Forces / Könnecke

Photos: German Armed Forces / Theska