On June 12, 2025, the ocean-going tug “Rügen” will leave the naval base under the command of Captain Lutz Lücken. Around one and a half years after being commissioned for the German Navy, the ship will embark on its first deployment in the Mediterranean.
The “Rügen” was extensively converted in advance to accommodate the so-called Bundeswehr-standard. Numerous modifications were made to the bridge, the radio room, the cabins, the small military hospital, the galley and the recreation rooms.
“Following a refit and repair phase at the Wilhelmshaven Naval Arsenal (MArs), preparations for the upcoming Aegean deployment have been completed. After this long and demanding stay in the MArs, the crew is looking forward to the upcoming deployment,” says Captain Lücken. “For most of the crew members, this sea operation will be their first operational experience and the crew is highly motivated,” adds the captain.
For this mission, the civilian-crewed ship sails with a total crew of just under 30 people. The regular crew is supplemented by a military staff as well as a Turkish and a Greek liaison officer.
The “Rügen” is expected to return to Wilhelmshaven after around six months.
In addition to the missions mandated by the Bundestag, the German Navy is continuously involved in the four multinational naval units of NATOincluding the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2). The German Navy provides ships and boats for these units on a permanent basis. Participation in NATO naval units is one of Germany’s firm commitments within the Alliance, even in peacetime.
The NATO activity in the Aegean is a contribution to managing the refugee and migration crisis. It was launched in February 2016 at the request of Germany, Greece and Turkey – with the aim of quickly and significantly reducing the movement of refugees through the Aegean Sea. Through its presence, NATO supports the Greek and Turkish coastguards and the European border protection agency FRONTEX in building up a comprehensive picture of the situation.
Here for more news about NATO and here for further reports on the Bundeswehr.
