Commander of "Gorch Fock" handed over at Bornkessel

sail training ship - Commander of "Gorch Fock" handed over at Bornkessel

The German sail training ship "Gorch Fock" has a new commander. The commander of the Marineschule Mürwig, Flottillenadmiral Jens Nemeyer, handed over responsibility for the ship today to Fregattenkapitän Elmar Bornkessel. After two years as commander, Kapitän zur See Andreas-Peter Graf von Kielmansegg is leaving the sailing school ship.

"I'm going home," said the 48-year-old Bornkessel, who served as an officer on the "Gorch Fock" in his career. He is most looking forward to sailing with the ship again. First, there will be a shorter voyage to the Sail in Stettin and then further to the Hansesail in Warnemünde.

"The next two years will be challenging and demanding," promised the native of Nordhessen to the crew of the sailing school ship. At the same time, he assured them that the time would also be interesting and exciting. In 2026, the "Gorch Fock" is scheduled to enter New York Harbor for the 250th anniversary of the United States on Independence Day. "To make an Atlantic crossing, we must also prepare well and will use the coming year for that, as mentioned," he emphasized.

Farewell to the departing commander

For Andreas-Peter Graf von Kielmannsegg, the change of command marks the beginning of a new time. The 57-year-old is taking on his next duty position in the Marinekommando in Rostock. Looking back on his time on the "Gorch Fock," he expressed "joy and gratitude." "Joy and gratitude for having had such a great crew," he emphasized.

Each voyage on the ship that Kielmannsegg experienced had its unique qualities. "It's usually the entire voyage that makes an impression," said the departing commander. They had all been beautiful, and he had enjoyed them in retrospect as well. He wished the new commander Bornkessel "a beautiful time on board the 'Gorch Fock'."

Praise from the Vice President of Schleswig-Holstein

"Kapitän zur See Graf von Kielmansegg has earned his place on the white ship and literally brought our sponsor ship 'Gorch Fock' back to the forefront after a uncertain time," said Schleswig-Holstein's Landtagsvizepräsident Peter Lehnert (CDU). He is confident that Bornkessel will also keep the new commander in good hands. Lehnert wishes him "good luck for the coming tasks."

1. The "Gorch Fock" is a renowned sail training ship based in the German city of Warnemünde, located in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which is part of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, specifically in the region of Schleswig-Holstein.
2. Prior to assuming command, Fregattenkapitän Elmar Bornkessel served as an officer on the "Gorch Fock" during his career, gaining valuable experience sailing the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
3. As the new commander of the "Gorch Fock," Bornkessel is excited to participate in the Sail in Stettin and the Hansesail in Warnemünde, two prominent maritime events in Germany.
4. Bornkessel is aware of the challenges and demands that come with commanding the "Gorch Fock," particularly in preparation for the ship's scheduled Atlantic crossing in 2026 for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
5. The outgoing commander, Kapitän zur See Andreas-Peter Graf von Kielmansegg, will be transferring to a new duty position in the Marinekommando in Rostock, a location in North Hesse, Germany, near the Baltic Sea.
6. Bornkessel received a vote of confidence from the Vice President of Schleswig-Holstein, Peter Lehnert (CDU), who praised Graf von Kielmansegg's contributions to the "Gorch Fock" and expressed faith in Bornkessel's ability to carry on the ship's tradition of excellence in sailing and marine training.

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