The German vice chief of navy is the so-called Deputy Inspector of the Navy and Commander of the Fleet and Supporting Forces. He stands in for the Inspector of the Navy in all matters. As Fleet Commander – or Commander-in-Chief, German Fleet as NATO calls his position – he acts within in the naval forces.
He coordinates with the command staffs of other Bundeswehr branches in so-called commanders’ meetings; he decides on the investigation reports of the commissioner for naval accident investigations. He is also chief commissioner for naval reservists’ affairs and of the Navy’s controlling department. Last but not least: he awards commanding officer’s commissions or denies them.