Tender Elbe back after six months
Last year, Tender Elbe only returned to the fleet after a very long time in the shipyard. This year, however, it was assigned the task of flagship of SNMCMG 1 (Standing Naval Mine Counter Measure Group 1) at an early stage.
A tender as a flagship - is that possible? It works well! On 12 July 2021, Tender Elbe left her home port of Warnemünde to take on board two international staffs in succession under American and Polish command over the past six months. As the flagship of SNMCMG 1, the Elbe took part in the multinational manoeuvres Sandy Coast and Joint Warrior, among others, and completely circumnavigated Great Britain, including visits to all parts of the country. One of the highlights was the reception organised on board by the German ambassador for a selection of high-ranking admirals from NATO High Command during the port visit in London.
The infection protection measures associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic also had to be observed throughout the entire duration of the mission. The crew was only allowed to go ashore in exceptional circumstances and under certain conditions. Variety is necessary during long absences. "You have to get off the boat from time to time, otherwise there is a risk of grey boat fever," said the commander of the tender, Corvette Captain Sebastian Nacke, when asked. The crew strictly adhered to the imposed restrictions and guidelines in their own interest of maintaining their health and thus, for example, wore mouth and nose protection at all times, as well as following the other AHA rules. In coordination with the host country, the crew members were also allowed to disembark on a case-by-case basis and explore the port abroad on their own or in small groups, almost like in pre-corona times. "The professionalism with which my crew mastered the situations and additional stresses makes me the proudest commander in the fleet," says the 35-year-old commander of the tender.
Today, the tender Elbe returns to the Warnemünde naval base after an absence of almost six months. In her luggage are a good 11,000 nautical miles, a speed record for tenders of 23.4 knots in the Scapa Flow sea area, plus a wealth of experience and impressions gained as the lead ship of a NATO unit.
marineforum wishes the crew of Tender Elbe a Merry Christmas. Welcome home.
Tender Elbe back in her home port of Warnemünde. Photo: Daniel Angres
Tender Elbe back in her home port of Warnemünde. Photo: Daniel Angres
Tender Elbe back in her home port of Warnemünde. Photo: Daniel Angres
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