For a long time, there was no photo to show the Gorch Fock in the right light again after almost six years in the shipyard. Now the crew and photographers have managed to take some impressive pictures.

Operation White Swan: The Gorch Fock in full splendour

On 25 March, the Gorch Fock the scene of a special mission: Operation White Swan. Under the leadership of frigate captain Elmar Bornkessel this mission combined seamanship, precision and team spirit - with an ambitious goal: an iconic photo of the "White Swan of the Baltic Sea".

The conditions seemed ideal at first: 18 knots of wind, mild swell, bright sunshine. But the Baltic Sea soon showed its unpredictable side - rising winds and waves up to three metres high presented challenges for the crew and photographers.

The two Photographer Chief Petty Officer Nico Theska and Chief Petty Officer Marcel Kröncke accompanied the manoeuvre from the dinghy. It took Precise navigation and meticulous preparationalmost like a naval battle in the 18th century, to reach the perfect windward position. The first attempt fell short of expectations - but the magic moment was achieved on the second attempt:

With full sails, the Gorch Fock majestically past the dinghy at 13 knots.

"The barque seemed to come alive for a perfect moment", Kröncke describes the moment. Commander Bornkessel adds: "These pictures show the Gorch Fock in its entirety Splendour, elegance and dynamism."

The mission became the emotional highlight of the first stage of the 182nd Training trip abroad. Despite rough seas, the crew brought the dinghy safely on board - a Masterpiece of teamwork.

Officer Candidate Finn Krüger from Jever summarises it aptly:

"We were able to demonstrate our skills today - an experience we will never forget."

Commander Bornkessel has even more plans for the campaign: He wants to use the pictures not only to Tradition of the Gorch Fock but also Inspire the next generation:

"Perhaps one of these photos will one day become a poster for the Bundeswehr - just like the poster for the Gorch Fock in my childhood bedroom back then."

Elmar Bornkessel