Precision landing

Captain Thorsten Bobzin has handed over command of the naval aviators after four years. He looks back on an eventful time between system launches, recruitment worries and capability gaps.

After four years at the helm of the Naval Air Command, Thorsten Bobzin draws an important conclusion: "Thank God we only had one aircraft accident, and it was a minor one." When asked which situation caused the greatest tension, he mentions the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in February of this year. The naval aviators demonstrated their capabilities with a very high level of commitment and a rapid readiness for deployment and redeployment. In this context, the capability of the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft once again proved to be an outstanding asset in maritime airspace. A capability that could have been averted in the recent past of naval aviation. This would have meant the irretrievable loss of a core capability for the German Navy, which would have been catastrophic, especially in the current security situation. As a consequence, the Naval Air Wing 3 and indirectly also the Naval Air Command would have been at risk. In future, however, the P-8A Poseidon will be in service with the German Navy as a long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The Sea Lynx still flies reliably for the navy, photo: dan

The introduction of the Sea Lion appears to be just as tense. The successor to the Sea King was delivered late for operational testing, which, together with other hurdles, had a negative impact on its planned availability. As a result, the now 50-year-old Sea King had to be kept operational for the navy's SAR obligations for much longer. This was a major problem, as the repair and supply of spare parts was becoming increasingly difficult.

On top of this, there are recruitment problems among the flying and technical staff. Many things can be compensated for from time to time, but some cannot. When there were no technical hurdles to overcome, the coronavirus thwarted all of the large organisation's plans. According to Bobzin, the naval aviators reacted professionally and flexibly to all these impairments and adversities. Over the past two years, in addition to providing nationwide administrative assistance during the pandemic, they have also been able to successfully carry out missions and similar duties. The embarkation of the Sea Lynx on-board helicopters during the deployment of the frigate Bayern in the Indo-Pacific, the continuous participation of a P-3C in Operation Irini in the Mediterranean and the significantly increased surveillance presence in the North and Baltic Seas since February 2022 are just three of countless examples that demonstrate what naval aviation can achieve. And this in a phase in which not only are all naval aviation weapon systems being modernised in a generational leap, but mission support and technical and flight training must also be catapulted into the digital age. You have to have good people to manage all this.

FlyNavy1

Since the Historical Tactical Conference in 2019, tweeting has been discovered in the German Navy. Following the announcement by the then inspector that he would now also be present on Twitter, Bobzin quickly signed up to tell the story of the naval aviators from his perspective. He wanted to create transparency and inform a broad audience: his own personnel, interested young people, the public and politicians. His account became a success within the #miltwitter bubble and is considered a good example of successful use of social media in the Bundeswehr. Topics relating to naval aviation dominate the content. However, controversial debates such as equal treatment in flight training were also addressed. The crews of the aircraft were asked to provide photos and videos for a colourful content. It was jokingly said from time to time that sometimes the photo came before the mission. Now, with the handover of command, the Twitter account will be handed over to the successor in office. Rumour has it that the wife of the outgoing commander is not sad about this.

The P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft still has a few years left, photo: dan

And now?

Sea Lynx pilot Bobzin has successfully set the material course for the future: On-board and training helicopters, maritime reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned systems are in the pipeline. Effectors and the development of training infrastructure are also being considered. However, the most difficult realisations are still pending. Nevertheless, naval aviation is growing again and its combat power is increasing. Although the planned influx of aircraft and armament is cause for optimism, Thorsten Bobzin remains concerned about the timely development of the Sea Tiger's final configuration, as the equipment essential for operational deployment will only be retrofitted at a later date. This will reduce the performance spectrum of the future naval helicopter for several years. However, the greater challenge of the next decade will be the regeneration of personnel. There are already some good ideas, but as always, support is needed both in recruiting young talent and in making careers more flexible and the associated work-life balance.

Daniel Angres