Naval Air Wing 3 celebrates its 60th anniversary

At the same time, 30 years of oil reconnaissance in cooperation with the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies

The association in tranquil Nordholz near Cuxhaven is not just a Bundeswehr office or a naval airbase: it is an essential element of maritime security. It is a valuable instrument for safety at sea in the area of responsibility of the Federal Republic of Germany. Security, rescue, environmental protection and situational awareness on Germany's coasts would be inconceivable without the men and women in this organisation. The unit's military mission is one thing, but its value for coastal safety can hardly be quantified. It's good that Germany has this organisation.

Naval Air Wing 3 in Nordholz / Wurster Nordseeküste celebrated its anniversary with several events, including a family day. Captain Oliver Ottmüller, Commodore of the squadron, welcomed many prominent figures from politics, society and the Bundeswehr at a large ceremony in the aircraft hangar. In his speech, he traced the history of the squadron from its foundation to the present day. In the presence of many former members of the unit, he recalled the history of the various aircraft, great successes and good cooperation, including with the Havariekommando, but also sad moments, accidents and futile search operations.

The first welcome address was given by MdB Daniel Schneider, a native of Cuxhaven who has long been associated with the naval air base, followed by Vice Admiral Frank Lenski, Deputy Inspector General of the Navy and Commander of the Fleet, who also spoke very personally to the naval aviators, as this is his military home. In the presence of representatives from the US Navy and the Canadian Navy, everyone was also able to take a look at the parked US Boeing P8 "Poseidon", which will be arriving in Nordholz starting next year.

Other guests included MdB Enak Ferlemann, Jörg-Andreas Sagemühl as mayor of the municipality of Wurster Nordseeküste and Andreas Hein, mayor of the twin town of Friedrichshafen. After the ceremony, the guests gathered in the officers' mess for a buffet, where there were also many words of welcome and very friendly gestures of solidarity, including a model of the new maritime patrol aircraft and submarine chaser "Poseidon" presented to the Commodore by a representative of Boeing, who had travelled from Tacoma especially for the occasion.

The speeches were proof of how much the squadron is valued and networked in the region, in the Bundeswehr and in the ranks of the security authorities. Captain (ret.) Burwitz, former commodore and now representative of the Aeronauticum Nordholz, stands for the preservation of the historical heritage, which can be traced back to Graf Zeppelin. Dr Robby Renner, Head of Havariekommando Cuxhaven, who stands for cross-departmental cooperation in the context of oil monitoring with the DO 228, also confirmed the unique cooperation.

This celebration was therefore not a self-celebration, but an important coming together of the Bundeswehr, authorities, politics and business. Operational readiness and capability require the co-operation of many. A threat to our country from outside can only be countered together, that was the message sent out by MFG 3. 60 years is just a number, what is important, according to the commander, is "a turning point in time, the ability to fight and the ability to defend".

Photos: hsc