The museum ship "Mölders" has been the largest exhibit in the German Naval Museum (DMM) since 2005.
Since then, a so-called Pön-Ex has been carried out regularly in spring and autumn. Important maintenance activities in which former destroyer drivers support the DMM and carry out repairs and improvements.
Pön-Ex-Crew - Group picture with on-board dog Rocky. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
In the first week of May, almost 40 alumni from all over Germany gathered on board to give the "Mölders" another makeover. The Pön ex-crew was supported by some of the women who had travelled with them and the ship's dog Rocky.
Rangeklotzt
The results of this week-long work assignment are impressive. On the planned work stations (upper deck, outer skin and superstructure with its many niches and antennas), "marine gold" was removed and repainted so that the "Mölders" looks as good as new again, as if after a "shipyard lay-up".
Courageous crew members with a head for heights were required, especially for the work at lofty heights. And the never-ending handrails on the companionway from the bridge deck to the ASROC deck were also refitted with great attention to detail and patient manual labour. Even a wedding ceremony on board on the first day did not disrupt the schedule and did not upset the crew. Loud rust knocking was simply postponed for the duration of the wedding ceremony.
Appreciation
A few weeks before the Pön-Ex, the last commander of the LÜTJENS had an edition of 200 coins designed and produced for the 1st Destroyer Squadron. Such an exquisite memento did not exist when the 103 was active. The coin features the silhouette of the ship on the obverse and the coats of arms of the squadron and the three guided missile destroyers "Lütjens" (D 185), "Mölders" (D 186) and "Rommel" (D 187) on the reverse. As expected, almost all the coins have already been sold. One euro per coin was earmarked for the Pön-Ex crew, who have been making sure that the German Naval Museum's showpiece is so colourful for many years.
This unprecedented commitment deserves great recognition, and so it was possible to donate €558 to retired chief mate Uwe Regitz, a regular participant in the Pön-Ex and former Mölders rider who lives in Saarland. The fact that this amount is well over €200 is thanks to the many coin buyers who went the extra mile when paying. The sum corresponds exactly to the addition of the hull numbers of the three destroyers, and is of course not random. The person responsible and "coach" of the Pön-Ex, Olaf Dietrich from Hamburg, has expressed his sincere thanks for the idea and the generous donation, which has found a drinkable and edible destination.
The author would like to pass on his thanks to all those involved.
Retired frigate captain Michael Meding was the last commander to decommission the destroyer "Lütjens" in 2003.
Text and photos: Michael Meding / Pön-Ex-Crew
Retired chief mate Uwe Regitz working in the mast. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
Retired chief mate Uwe Regitz working in the mast. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
MFO header contribution 800 x 600 - 5
Rust (marine gold) is visible in all corners and niches. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
Back of the coin of the 1 Destroyer Squadron. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
Back of the coin of the 1 Destroyer Squadron. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
The handrails of the companionway were re-tiled. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
The handrails of the companionway were re-tiled. Photo: Pön-Ex-Crew
English 
German
To all those interested in coins:
When asked, the last commander LÜTJENS said that the 200 coins were unfortunately sold out.
The good news:
If he receives a lot more requests, a second batch will be produced.
Please send enquiries by email to
[email protected]
As soon as a number greater than 50 is reached, he would get started and inform all interested parties!
So here we go...
I was employed as a ship's doctor on the Mölders in 1981/82 right after my state examination. It was a great time with a great crew. I also visited the Mölders a few months ago. I think it's great that so many people invest their free time to keep the ship in good condition. Great action.
Great job, keep it up. I travelled with the Z-Hamburg D181 together with the Z- Rommel to the Caribbean and the USA in 1992. I can recommend every young person to join the German Navy. I'll never forget those good times.
Moin,
A long time ago. In 1992, the entire editorial team was still in active service...
A small note: today it is no longer called the Bundesmarine, because after reunification there was a new name for the navy for the whole of Germany. So "German Navy".
Thanks for the comment, greetings
The editorial team
Moin, I think it's really great what has been achieved, respect.
I would be interested to know if there are still
1 coins for myself? Because I drove the Lütjens and the Rommel myself.
With best regards
Retired Chief Petty Officer Michael Widderich
For the coin, please read the comment from today, 10:37 a.m.
Where can you see it?
I also drove Lütjens and Mölders in the 80s. Heater😄🤘
Moin,
enter https://www.marinemuseum.de/
A great experience for the whole family
Greetings
The editorial team
I really like what has been achieved. Is there still 1 coin for myself? I rode on the Lütjens and the Rommel.
For the coin, please read the comment from today, 10:37 a.m.
Mölders was a fighter pilot and demonstrably not a Nazi - at least no more than the civilians who shouted "Heil Hitler" and had a picture of the GröFaZ hanging in their living room.
There are also people who firmly believe that Otto von Bismarck was a Nazi from 1933 to 1945.
Goil
Hello, very good report and a very good action. This way the exhibit will be preserved.
My question: is there still a commemorative coin available? It would be a surprise for my brother, who travelled on the Rommel.
For the coin, please read the comment from today, 10:37 a.m.
Hello comrades, it's great that you are keeping the murderers alive. Chief Petty Officer a D Klaus Zeisler
As a former navy officer and destroyer Fletscher, frigate driver Cologne, Karlsruhe and Brommy, I pay great attention to the operational readiness of my comrades, as I was and still am a proud navy officer at the age of 83 with heart and soul until my last breath.
The Hamburger sends comradely greetings Ingo Trockels
Mölders, a Nazi officer, why such esteem?