The 1st Corvette Squadron under new leadership

Changing of the watch, Frigate Captain Florian Feld, Photo: Daniel Angres

On Monday, 27 September 2021 at 13 Clock was handed over the duties of the 1st Corvette Squadron. After a varied two and a half years, Frigate Captain Florian Feld (46) handed over command to his successor, Frigate Captain Kenneth Harms (41).

In March 2019, Frigate Captain Feld took over the leadership and initially focused on increasing operational readiness for national and alliance defence, in parallel with international crisis management tasks, particularly in the deployment of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon). In addition, four of the five new corvettes have already been laid down so that the outgoing commander can devote himself to the deployment and training of the new crews. "It was exciting to be at the centre of events and to be able to initiate the growth of the squadron", says frigate captain Feld.

From March 2020 onwards, the major challenge due to the pandemic-related restrictions was to carry out operational training and provide operational personnel. In addition, many soldiers provided support in civilian facilities as part of administrative assistance in the fight against the pandemic.

"I demanded a lot more from the members of the squadron under difficult conditions. Nevertheless, we carried out our missions unchanged. This fills me with pride and respect for the commitment of each individual. It is the people who make up this organisation and the navy - they have deeply impressed me with their experience and professionalism" were the concluding words of Frigate Captain Feld. He will now move to the naval command and contribute to the further development and conceptual work of the navy.

Kenneth Harms takes over the 1st Corvette Squadron, Photo: Daniel Angres

Frigate Captain Harms comes from the office of the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr. He looks forward to his new job with a zest for action and great anticipation: "In addition to the reliable fulfilment of our operational obligations, it is now important to implement the expansion of the unit to include the five new corvettes and their crews. This opens up room for manoeuvre and offers us the opportunity to once again sustainably increase the combat strength and operational value of the squadron."