Yesterday morning in Wilhelmshaven, the commander of the Trossgeschwader, Kapitän zur See Andreas Schmekel, handed over command of the Einsatzgruppenversorger „Berlin“ from Frigate Captain Karsten Uwe Schlüter to Frigate Captain Martin Kiesewetter.

„My time as commander of the „Berlin“ was essentially characterised by a repair phase for the ship,“ summarises the outgoing commander. This was followed by a training phase for the crew before setting sail in August for the Atlantic Bear training and presence cruise. „The „Berlin“ was the first ship of the German Navy to arrive in Nuuk on Greenland, which was a highlight in itself,“ said Frigate Captain Schlüter on the special experiences of his time in command.

For the first time in its own history, the task force provider „Berlin“ also travelled to New York. „For me personally, the highlight of this trip was undoubtedly sailing into the Hudson River while an on-board helicopter was in flight,“ says Schlüter, describing the experience. „Sailing towards the skyline of this metropolis in the best weather, passing the Statue of Liberty and avoiding the Staten Island Ferries and other busy traffic was not only something uniquely challenging, but also something particularly beautiful,“ he continues. Frigate Captain Schlüter is now moving to the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr in Potsdam.

His successor, Frigate Captain Kiesewetter, has already sailed with the ship and was on board the „Berlin“ as a communications operations officer, ship supply officer and first officer. „It fills me with gratitude, respect and at the same time humility to be able to take command of the task force supply ship „Berlin“ and its proud crew. After all, being commander is truly the highlight of every naval officer's life. I am therefore confident that we will tackle our upcoming and challenging operational training period with great fighting spirit. In short, I am proud to say: „I am a Berliner,“ says Frigate Captain Kiesewetter, looking forward to his new task.

Text: German Navy PIZ ASt North Sea

Featured image: German Navy / C cassette; Photo Schlüter: hsc