Wilhelmshaven, March 7, 2026 – The German Navy’s supply ship ‘Berlin’ (A 1411) has officially welcomed its new commander, Frigate Captain Martin Kiesewetter, during a ceremony held yesterday morning in Wilhelmshaven. Frigate Captain Karsten Uwe Schlüter handed over command of the vessel in the presence of Commander of the Trossgeschwader, Captain zur See Andreas Schmekel.
A Period of Maintenance and Memorable Deployments
Frigate Captain Karsten Uwe Schlüter, reflecting on his tenure, stated, “My time as commander of the ‘Berlin’ was primarily characterized by a maintenance phase for the ship.” Following this, the crew underwent an intensive training period, culminating in their deployment for the ‘Atlantic Bear’ training and presence voyage in August.
Schlüter highlighted several significant milestones during his command. “The ‘Berlin’ was the first German Navy ship to call at Nuuk in Greenland, which in itself was a highlight,” he remarked, recalling the unique experiences of his time at the helm.
For the first time in its history, the supply ship ‘Berlin’ also visited New York. Schlüter described this experience as particularly memorable: “For me personally, the entry into the Hudson River with simultaneous helicopter operations was undoubtedly the highlight of this voyage.” He further elaborated, “Approaching the skyline of this metropolis in perfect weather, passing the Statue of Liberty, and navigating around the Staten Island Ferries and other bustling traffic, was not only uniquely challenging but also exceptionally beautiful.”
New Leadership with Familiarity of the Vessel
Frigate Captain Schlüter will now transition to the Bundeswehr’s Operational Command in Potsdam. His successor, Frigate Captain Kiesewetter, is no stranger to the ‘Berlin,’ having previously served on board as a communications officer, ship’s supply officer, and as the First Officer.
Expressing his gratitude and anticipation for the new role, Frigate Captain Kiesewetter said, “It fills me with much gratitude, respect, and at the same time humility for the task, to be allowed to take command of the supply ship ‘Berlin’ and its proud crew. For being a commander is truly the pinnacle in the life of every naval officer.” He added, “Therefore, I am confident that we will approach our upcoming, challenging operational training period with great fighting spirit. In short, I proudly say: ‘I am a Berliner.'”
The Role of the Supply Ship ‘Berlin’
The ‘Berlin’ is an ‘Einsatzgruppenversorger’ (replenishment oiler/fleet auxiliary vessel), a crucial component of the German Navy. These ships are designed to provide logistical support to naval task forces, supplying them with fuel, provisions, ammunition, and other essential materials at sea. This capability significantly extends the endurance and operational reach of naval units, enabling them to operate effectively far from home ports.
Future Outlook and Challenges
Frigate Captain Kiesewetter’s statement underscores the demanding nature of the upcoming operational training period. The ‘Berlin’ and its crew will continue to play a vital role in supporting German and allied naval operations, ensuring readiness and sustained presence in various maritime environments. The experiences from the ‘Atlantic Bear’ deployment, including the pioneering visit to Nuuk and the historic call at New York, highlight the ship’s global reach and versatility.
The change of command is a routine but significant event in naval tradition, symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the ongoing commitment to operational excellence within the German Navy. The ‘Berlin’ under its new commander is expected to continue its critical mission of supporting naval forces and representing Germany’s maritime interests on the international stage.
The MarineForum, which publishes ten times a year, is an independent and non-partisan publication of the Marine-Offizier-Vereinigung (MOV), issued by the Deutsches Maritimes Institut (DMI). It is not directly or indirectly supported by ministries or other German authorities, allowing for a forum where diverse opinions can be discussed.
Source: https://marineforum.online/einsatzgruppenversorger-berlin-unter-neuer-fuehrung/
