FGS Bremen has commenced her tour of duty patrolling the waters of the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa as the tenth ship of the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR). Having left her home port of Wilhelmshaven on 7 May Bremen arrives on station after a 14 day transit.
Originally designed as a submarine hunter Bremen is now equipped as a multi-role vessel equally capable in the roles of escort and maritime protection as anti air and surface warfare. The crew of roughly 220 is extremely well prepared, with many having deployed previously on the EU NAVFOR mission.
Being the first German warship designed to carry a helicopter Bremen also brings with her yet another air asset for surveillance and disruption. She will shortly replace FGS Berlin as the principal German Warship of EU NAVFOR.