The delivery entrance - hopefully well frequented soon Photo: hsc

"Fits!" - This or something similar is how former and active soldiers know the tone when the "clothing store cops" put a helmet on recruits at the beginning of basic training. Unfitting clothes were tailored, oversizes were delivered later. There was a lot of joking, but it worked. The clothing stores were not men's outfitters, unlike the clothing checkout: there were uniforms, clothing and accessories made of branded goods for self-payers with a clothing allowance - mostly only professional soldiers and later also female professional soldiers. The federal company, which was founded in 2002, hit rock bottom around 2015: no shirts, no shoes and restrictions on purchases. The frustration fitted in with the period of cutbacks and downsizing. In 2015, the federal government took over all the shares of the private partners; since then, LHBw GmbH has been a 1001TP3 federal in-house company. The non-federal defence business was sold in 2016.

Reorganised after frustration

Today, BwBM (Bundeswehr Clothing Management) ensures the supply of uniforms and personal equipment to soldiers and civilian employees of the federal government. The services specified in these contracts are now provided by BwBM following the merger of the old companies LHD and LHBw. Employees are ready to supply the troops at around 85 service locations (SVS). This applies to service clothing and accessories, sportswear and services such as customisation, completion and alteration work.

The modern catering facility is still waiting for an operator

New location with modern technology and sustainability

A new location has been created in the A27 Park Walsrode. Easily accessible from large locations such as Munster or Wilhelmshaven, a state-of-the-art logistics facility with 56,000 square metres of logistics space, room for 64,000 pallets and around 2,000 square metres of office space has been built on a site area of 92,000 square metres. The location on the A27 motorway provides fast connections to the A7 and A2 motorways as well as access to the cities of Hamburg, Bremen and Hanover. In Walsrode, BwBM carries out tasks such as storage, quality control, textile processing and issuing equipment for around 250,000 soldiers and civilian employees. A laundry is also operated. After around two years of construction, the modern "Bw-Hub" goods and service centre in the Heidekreis district of northern Germany was handed over to Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH (BwBM).

Will also be equipped here: Members of the German Navy Photo: Gore-Tex

Contact point for 200,000 soldiers

Walsrode is used to uniforms: the main ammunition depot Walsrode-Beetenbrück has existed there for decades, in the neighbourhood of the Fallingbostel, Bergen and Munster sites. What is still missing is an operator for the planned catering facility in one of the outbuildings. After all, according to the local newspapers, the logistics centre will be a port of call for 200,000 soldiers. The centre is set to store equipment for 17,000 navy personnel - will that be enough for the future?

Text / Photos: Schlüter

Der Beitrag Kleider machen Leute – auf 10 Hektar erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The 1st Corvette Squadron is under new leadership

Bright sunshine in Warnemünde, high-ranking guests and a traditional ceremony. Frigate Captain Marc T. Tippner handed over the 1st Corvette Squadron to his successor, Frigate Captain Stephan Lukascyk. The handover was performed by the deputy commander of Operational Flotilla 1, Kapitän zur See Dr Sascha Zarthe

The post of squadron commander is a career highlight that not everyone is granted: you grow up as a young officer in the unit, and when, after years of hard work, hardship and achievement, you are finally allowed to lead the unit yourself, you know that this is the last time you will be part of it. These are the words of the new commander.

Handing over after many years is therefore also a difficult day emotionally and personally, and you know it's coming. And when it arrives, it may leave you speechless. That's what happened: Frigate Captain Tippner had his thankful and very personal speech to his men and women read out by an officer, as his vocal chords were failing.

The change of command during this time also represents a change of priorities in the squadron: away from UNIFIL and the Aegean and back to the Baltic Sea (see issue 09 of marineforum). The organisation, which is currently permanently present in the Baltic Sea, has reoriented itself towards home waters. The Russian threat in the Baltic Sea is now the daily mission of the corvettes, which are currently being replenished step by step with the new units of the second batch of the K 130. Marc T. Tippner is credited with completing this change, and his successor will continue the certification process until all ten corvettes are ready for deployment. Several other leadership changes had already taken place in the squadron in the morning.

The reception for the guests on the new corvette "Köln" was also proof of this, with the crew immediately offering the guests the typical "Kölsche" drink, as was customary on its predecessors in the old days. The importance of the association was also demonstrated by the high-ranking guests: Lieutenant General Gert Nultzsch, Head of the Bundeswehr Planning Office, Flotilla Admiral Matthias Potthoff, Commander of the Naval Support Command and the new Chief of Staff of the Naval Command, Flotilla Admiral Richard Kesten.

Finally, Frigate Captain Tippner was honoured with the traditional German Navy ceremony, in which an outgoing commander is brought ashore by his officers on a cutter. The crews lined up and saluted him by waving their caps.

marine forum thanks Frigate Captain Tippner for his loyalty and trusting co-operation and wishes the new commander Frigate Captain Lukascyk all the best for the "Let's tackle it" !

Text: hsc

Photos: Bundeswehr/Michelle Peich

 

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Der Beitrag Kommandowechsel in Warnemünde erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

- With the specially developed operator model ISR as a Service by NVL (ISR - Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), NVL offers the security authorities of Germany and other NATO countries as well as commercial customers an effective and quickly available solution for the targeted and permanent surveillance of predefined sea areas using unmanned surface vessels (USV) available on the market

- The data collected using state-of-the-art sensor technology is collated by NVL in a data centre and then made available to the customer for comprehensive situational awareness and anomaly detection

- Procurement, operation and maintenance of the UPSs are guaranteed by NVL and reduce the customer's personnel and material requirements accordingly

- With the ISRaaS operator model, the NVL offers the customer targeted support in the creation of a comprehensive situation picture and makes a significant contribution to the security of the Federal Republic of Germany, the NATO countries and the civilian population

The Threat situation by sabotage and espionage activities in the North Sea and Baltic Sea is increasing massively. In order to monitor the sea area efficiently and continuously 24/7 and, in particular, to protect shipping routes and critical infrastructure, it is necessary to create a comprehensive picture of the situation. This requires enormous capacities and personnel resources from the Federal Republic of Germany and commercial customers, which are to be relieved in future primarily with the help of unmanned systems.

A promising Solution approach is the ISRaaS operator model: NVL utilises UPSs available on the market that are configured to meet the needs of customers in the military, security authorities and critical infrastructure sectors. Using an intelligent deployment model, the UPSs operated by NVL patrol areas that have been defined in advance by the client. At the same time, they maintain a presence, recognise anomalies and collect sensor data. The data collected by the UPSs is made available to the customer via standardised interfaces or a customer portal to create a comprehensive situational picture. The innovative ISRaaS operator model makes an essential contribution to the protection of critical infrastructure and shipping routes and therefore to national and alliance defence.

After Conclusion of contract ISR as a Service by NVL is already available after ready for use in less than twelve months. With this model, the NVL also fulfils the need to develop a quickly implementable solution for the increasingly serious threat situation.

To be operated by NVL in future? UPS "Kraken K3 Scout". Photo: Kraken

As a long-standing and reliable partner of the German Navy, NVL is optimally equipped for this project with its shipyard locations in all German coastal states and the proven NVL services. The ISR as a Service by NVL offers rapid operational readiness and high availability of the systems through a reliable partner of the German Navy. Later expansion stages could, for example, provide an integrated multi-domain situation picture with the help of artificial intelligence. The model can also be used for civilian operators of offshore wind farms or oil platforms, who are legally obliged to ensure the protection of their facilities.

The UPSs are manufactured in the EU and are already in use there.

"As a leading system house in surface shipbuilding, we have been active in the research and development of unmanned and autonomous systems for years. We are using our knowledge and experience in a targeted manner to develop and ramp up the ISRaaS operator model in the shortest possible time and to effectively support our security authorities in protecting our country," explains Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL. "We are already cooperating with German and European technology partners in this area and have a correspondingly comprehensive network and the necessary expertise to quickly implement this cost-effective solution for unmanned systems."

To illustrate this, you will find a video on ISR as a Service by NVL under the following link:

https://nvl.de/de/isr-service-nvl

Der Beitrag Effiziente Seeraumüberwachung – Betreibermodell der NVL erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, the Inspector of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, will hand over command of the fleet at the Mürwik Naval Academy. After more than three years at the helm, Vice Admiral Frank Martin Lenski is retiring. He had been Commander of the Fleet and Support Forces and Deputy to the Chief of Naval Operations since 11 March 2022.

Following the handover ceremony, Vice Admiral Lenski is given a grand send-off into retirement.

The aerospace engineer began his military career as an aircraft engineering officer. After completing his admiral's staff training, he worked as a consultant and head of division at the Federal Ministry of Defence. This was followed by assignments as Head of Department in the Defence Forces Base and Commander of the Naval Support Command. In 2017, he took on the role of Head of the Operational Support Department and became Chief of Staff at the Naval Command in 2020.

"After 44 years in the navy and the Bundeswehr, I look back with satisfaction and gratitude on a challenging, formative and varied time. In all my assignments, I have been trusted to lead, shape and mould. I leave the navy with great thanks and am proud to have been part of this strong community. At the same time, I am delighted that my family is now at the centre of my life."

Vice Admiral Frank Lenski and Rear Admiral Axel Deertz, photo: hsc

The new commander of the fleet will be Rear Admiral Axel Deertz. The naval officer is currently assigned to the Federal Ministry of Defence, where he is deputy head of the Operational Readiness and Support Department. Rear Admiral Deertz is looking forward to the new challenge with confidence: "After two intensive years in the BMVg, I am very pleased to be returning to the Navy. I bring with me many topics and expertise, such as increasing operational readiness or personnel growth, including through the New Military Service, from my previous assignment in the BMVg. I know what an extensive package of tasks lies ahead of us and I am certain that we will master them together. I am delighted to be able to actively shape the fundamental reorganisation and growth of our navy in these turbulent times."

Der Beitrag Großer Zapfenstreich für den Befehlshaber der Flotte erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

On Tuesday, 23 September and Wednesday, 24 September 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the second part of the "Wehrhafter Friese" exercise will take place at the Wilhelmshaven naval base, the Bordum naval facility and the Wilhelmshaven naval arsenal. The first part was already carried out on 25 June this year.

"With the site-specific exercise series 'Wehrhafter Friese', we are testing our own protective measures in the properties at the Wilhelmshaven site and further developing our capabilities," says the commander of the naval base, frigate captain Rolf Hoppe. "We are also practising processes with the civilian authorities so that we know what everyone has to do in their area of responsibility to quickly increase security measures in the event of an emergency. That way, we don't lose any time if it comes down to it," adds Hoppe.

The cooperation between military and civilian authorities has already led to a good mutual understanding during the preparations. Necessary restrictions are also made visible to the population through the exercise and lead to safe action in an emergency.

Various security scenarios are practised in the properties. Firstly, a so-called checkpoint is set up at Gate 4 in the naval arsenal. Only pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed to pass through Gate 1. In addition, the Jachmann Bridge may be closed on Wednesday. On the other hand, the naval facility will be restricted to the inside of the barracks on Tuesday, meaning that there will only be extensive barrier measures in the area of Anton-Dohrn-Weg on Wednesday.

In order to maintain regular operations for access to the naval base, delivery traffic, e.g. for the construction work, will be handled via the Westwache. Access will be possible through a checkpoint at the main gate. This may cause traffic obstructions on Alfred-Eckhardt-Straße and in the area of Friesendamm near the junction.

The exercise will also take place at sea, but there will be no restrictions for civilian shipping in the area of the sea lock.

Der Beitrag Wehrhafter Friese: Absicherungsübung der Bundeswehr in Wilhelmshaven erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The Bundeswehr Career Centre (KarrCBw) is inviting graduating classes to the "Schools Week 2025" at the Wilhelmshaven naval base from 16 to 18 September 2025.

Week of Schools at the Wilhelmshaven naval base, photo: Rodewald

Around 470 pupils from ten schools will take part on the event days. The Navy and other branches of the Bundeswehr will present themselves to the participants from 9 a.m. onwards. The intention is to arouse interest in the Bundeswehr among the pupils and accompanying persons from the schools and to familiarise them with the attractiveness of the wide range of military and civilian career opportunities in the Bundeswehr. Talks are also offered with soldiers in order to obtain direct and unvarnished first-hand information.

In addition to the visit to the "Frankfurt am Main" task force provider, the young visitors also have the chance to experience the Bundeswehr fire brigade and the naval aviators. Career opportunities in the technical field can be viewed in the Bundeswehr's own training workshops.

Der Beitrag Marine statt Schulbank erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

This dependency encompasses both the economic side, such as imports and exports, as well as security policy aspects that are important for the stability of supply chains and the international order. The high seas are particularly important for armed forces in terms of security policy. Large quantities of military material and personnel can be moved by sea in a relatively short space of time. As early as the Second World War, strategic sea transport was crucial to the success of the Allies and ultimately decisive for the victory over Nazi Germany.

After more than 30 years of peace dividends and the feeling of being surrounded by friends, considerations of strategic sea transport were put on the back burner. After all, there was no danger - no enemy that might want to start a war with Germany or our NATO partners. In February 2022, however, this picture changed by 180 degrees. Russia and its aggressive invasion of Ukraine, which violated international law, lifted the fog from the eyes of some of us who had acquired a sense of prosperity. After more than three years of war in Ukraine and with the realisation that Russia could annex further territory through acts of war, the NATO armed forces and above all the Bundeswehr took on a new significance. War capability is now the buzzword. But in order to become war-ready, not only modern weapons systems or new developments are required. No, it also involves training, practising procedures and cooperating with our NATO partners. And what is the best way to do this? Through manoeuvres, of course.

From 1 to 12 September, the German Navy will be conducting the Northern Coast exercise as part of the joint Bundeswehr exercise Quadriga 2025. One part of this exercise is the strategic sea transport of military goods, the protection of sea routes and, above all, the protection of merchant ships during their transit through the Baltic Sea. The naval shipping command is involved and coordinates merchant shipping and the civilian transport ships participating in the exercise by applying Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS), including the use of the Allied Worldwide Navigational Information System (AWNIS), in order to ensure freedom of navigation and convoy operations. The importance of this exercise can be seen in the number of participants from our NATO partners this year. 42 NCAGS/AWNIS servicemen and women from 7 NATO nations are supporting the naval command in implementing and achieving the objectives of this major manoeuvre. The main burden of the personnel is once again borne by reserve service personnel. Three quarters of the 42 comrades are reservists alone. We can't do it without them and they form the backbone of our work in the NCAGS/AWNIS community!

Author: Steffen Lange, Head of MSchLtg HH

Photos: Bundeswehr / Mühe, Hoppe, Lehmann

Der Beitrag Quadriga/Northern Coast 2025 – Schutz der Handelsschiffe erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

In the picture that has been circulating in some northern German newspapers, you can see how the paint is peeling off. No, it's not camouflage, it's not a Photoshop gag, and no: nobody has tried to paint the silhouette of Eckernförde on the hull. The current livery has not been copied from the patrol boats of the Royal Navy or frigates of the Royal Canadian Navy, and no: it is also not a "camouflage scheme" to prevent/disable optical recognition by enemy forces, as was attempted in the days of the Kaiser. It is also not a bombardment by turpentine-filled ammunition, it is also not the environmental pollution of the Baltic Sea and nobody has stained the hull unnoticed. Nor is it the crew's fault, nor did the navy do it on purpose and Putin has nothing to do with it.

FD Boat Oker Photo M Nitz

Why are we writing this? Because of the many assumptions and assertions that could be read in the comments section. Some were funny, some were thought-provoking, very few were correct and some were even quite - sorry - stupid.

And what is it now? The grey RAL 7000 paint layer has been removed, which is the surface paint used on ships and boats of the German Navy. It is simply damage to the paint on the port and starboard sides of the almost 37-year-old reconnaissance vessel. The FGS Oker last had its exterior paintwork completely renewed in 2024 during a scheduled lay-up at the Norderwerft shipyard in Hamburg.

Any questions? Yes, the hull number A 53 was no longer legible, so another hull number marking "A 53" was applied amidships so that everyone could see that it was the Oker. She is operational and OK. No fuss. Goes on goodwill.

Der Beitrag Der Lack ist ab erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The company Rheinmetall must have heard this call from the inspector of the navy, Vice Admiral Jan C. Kaack. Rheinmetall has opened the largest ammunition plant in Europe in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony. The aim? To supply the Bundeswehr and European partners with ammunition. There's not much for the navy yet, but that could still happen!

The plant was built in just 15 months and will create up to 500 jobs. The investment amounts to almost 500 million euros and is part of a larger strategy to strengthen European defence. The plant is huge - up to 350,000 artillery shells are to be produced annually on an area of around 30,000 square metres. By 2027, the plant is set to be the largest of its kind in Europe or even the world. The production of rocket motors for artillery rockets is also planned from 2026. Politicians such as German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasised the importance of the plant for national security and European defence cooperation. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned against the armament efforts of Russia and China and emphasised the need to strengthen European armaments.

A letter of intent for a further Rheinmetall plant in Romania was also signed at the opening, with an investment of around 550 million euros. Rheinmetall has also taken over the Spanish manufacturer Expal Systems and plans to produce 1.5 million artillery shells a year in its international production network from 2027.

In the photo from left: NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte, Finance Minister and constituency MP Lars Klingbeil, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger

Der Beitrag Rheinmetall Werk in Unterlüß erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

On Sunday, 14 September 2025, the Mürwik Naval Academy will once again open its doors from 10.00 to 16.45 under the motto of this year's Open Monument Day "Valuable-full: priceless or irreplaceable?". This year's attractions will be visits to the Gorch Fock sail training ship and the Pegnitz hollow-barrelled guided tour boat from Kiel, combined with the opportunity to visit the ship as part of the "OPEN SHIPS".

When it was commissioned in 1958, the Gorch Fock became the flagship of the navy, Photo: Nico Theska

We are also offering this year:

• Rides on a navy boat,
• Demonstrations in one of the most modern ship simulators in Europe,
• Demonstrations in the planetarium,
• Visit to the library with book bazaar,
• Insights into the exhibition on naval history in the former
  Kommandeursvilla, today's Military History Training Centre (WGAZ),
• Guided tours of the "Red Castle by the Sea" with its unique architecture and history,
• Tour of the tower building including a view over Flensburg,
• Presentation of civilian training opportunities by the naval training workshop in Flensburg,
• Tour of the cadets' accommodation and much more.

Photo: Marcel Kröncke

Visits to the Gorch Fock and the Pegnitz are possible throughout the day from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The next opportunity to visit the naval school will be on 12 November this year, on the "Open Day".

Der Beitrag Gorch Fock ist am Wochenende in Mürwik ! erschien zuerst auf marineforum.