Federal military - Fregate "Brandenburg" back from UN mission in the Mediterranean
The German frigate "Brandenburg" returned to Wilhelmshaven from a UN mission in the eastern Middle East after approximately four months. The warship, with around 185 sailors and sailors on board, docked at its home port as planned, according to a spokesperson for the Wilhelmshaven Naval Base. Families, friends, and comrades welcomed the crew at the pier.
The "Brandenburg" had set sail from Wilhelmshaven in mid-March for the UN mission Unifil in the eastern Middle East off the Lebanese coast. The navy supported the mission in the Lebanese waters by securing maritime borders and preventing weapons smuggling. In addition, the soldiers assisted in training the Lebanese navy.
Commander: Special experiences gathered
Within the UN mission, the border area between Israel and Lebanon is also monitored, where there have been violent clashes with fatalities on both sides following the Islamic Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7.
Given the situation in the Middle East, the UN mission is taking on greater importance, said the commander of the frigate, Andreas Scheiba, in a statement. "We have collected special experiences in Lebanon. Here, not only exercises with the Lebanese Navy but also with the Lebanese Air Force took place during flight operations training."
According to the navy's statements, the frigate covered a total of approximately 30,000 kilometers during its deployment. For many crew members, it was reportedly their first UN mission. The "Brandenburg" has now been relieved by the corvette "Ludwigshafen am Rhein."
- The UN recognized the German Federal military's significant contribution in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East, particularly in Lower Saxony's Wilhelmshaven where the "Brandenburg" is stationed.
- The deployment of the "Brandenburg" to the Mediterranean, supporting the UN mission Unifil in Israel and Lebanon, highlighted Germany's commitment to international defense and cooperation.
- The Marine Commandant in Lower Saxony expressed his gratitude to the crew of the "Brandenburg" for their service, noting their role in ensuring the safety of shipping lanes and preventing weapons smuggling.
- The German authorities are considering expanding their military presence in the Middle East, recognizing the importance of collaboration with countries like Israel and Lebanon to maintain stability in the region.
- The spokesperson for Germany's Defense Minister confirmed the presence of German troops in Lebanon, emphasizing their role in building cooperation between the German military and their Middle Eastern counterparts.
- The "Brandenburg" will be joined by a new ship, the "Ludwigshafen am Rhein," in its mission to protect German interests in the Mediterranean while continuing the tradition of peacekeeping and fostering international partnerships.
