The ocean forgives no mistakes. For the crew of the frigate F 212 KARLSRUHE, October 2007 was therefore devoted entirely to operational perfection. After a long period of maintenance, it was once again "Cast off, battle stations" for the men and women on board. What followed were weeks of intense concentration and physical effort.
The exercises centered on complex scenarios that challenged the crew both physically and mentally. Cooperation with the Sea Lynx shipboard helicopters in particular formed a focus of the maneuvers.
Operations Statistics for October
A look at the numbers shows how intense the training program was.
Air Defense and Damage Control
A warship must be able to defend against threats from the air at any time. The operations center (OPZ) of the KARLSRUHE was running at full tilt as simulated air attacks had to be repelled. Coordination among the sensors, fire control and the bridge went smoothly, proof of the crew's high level of training.
At the same time, the "real emergency" was rehearsed inside the ship: fire in the engine room and flooding. The damage control teams had to advance wearing breathing apparatus, seal leaks and fight fires. These drills are vital and part of the hard everyday routine on board. "Every move has to be right when it gets dark and hot," explains a section leader.
"This month the crew showed that it runs like clockwork even under stress."Cdr. Hans-Joachim Kuhfahl
With the exercises successfully completed, the F 212 KARLSRUHE is well prepared for coming tasks and international deployments within the German Navy. The focus now turns forward to the coming stretches at sea.