Global partnerships
Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024
The German Navy’s major defence diplomacy project in the Indo-Pacific includes multinational naval exercises and operations.
Gray lady and Lady Liberty: the frigate “Baden-Württemberg” arriving with the German Navy Task Force IPD in New York City on May 22nd
Bundeswehr/Philipp Schäfer
Happy to be here: The German vessels have hoisted the host country flag of the United States in their foretops
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
The German ships under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. From here they sailed another 20 kilometers up the Hudson River
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Not an everyday experience: The German guests were part of the traditional Parade of Ships for Fleet Week. Here the Veterans Corps of Artillery State of New York fires a salute from Fort Hamilton on the Hudson River.
US Army/Mark Getman
Sailors of the US Coast Guard onboard “Baden-Württemberg”. They supported the New York pilots when the non-local ships arrived.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
"Frankfurt am Main" and USS "Bataan", an amphibious assault ship of the US Navy, following astern of "Baden-Württemberg" while pulling into New York Harbor
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
In Upper Bay, the Hudson River is still about four kilometers wide, but the navigable channel is already narrower. Left in front of “Bataan” is Jersey City, on the right the west end of Manhattan. The German ships are sailing directly in front.
US Navy/Malachi Lakey
This is what anticipation looks like. Sailors of “Baden-Württemberg” shortly before docking at noon on May 22nd. As soon as the frigate has moored, there is still lots to do. But the first shore leave in the new foreign port is assured.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Berthing is planned for the German vessels at Pier 90 of the New York Passenger Ship Terminal. A historically significant place: ocean liners such as passenger ships “Queen Mary” and “Normandie” once docked here.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
The “Baden-Württemberg” is mooring. A sailor throws a so-called bola line onto the pier, which is used to pull the heavy mooring lines ashore.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Fleet Week has been a tradition in the USA since the 1930s. At its core, it is a major public relations effort by the US Navy. Here Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti in the “Today Show‘s” studio on May 23rd
US Navy/Michael B. Zingaro
Navy vs. Marines: There are plenty of high-profile events in Manhattan during Fleet Week, May 22nd to 28th, including competitions, parades and concerts. The aim is to present the US naval forces up close to citizens.
US Navy/Jacob Mattingly
Five major vessels of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard and the German Navy are open to New Yorkers for ship tours. Over 1,000 people visit “Baden-Württemberg” and “Frankfurt am Main”.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Amphibious assault ship “Bataan” moored at Pier 88 almost right next to the Germans. The vessel, technically a so-called “landing helicopter dock”, also has ship tours for anyone interested during Fleet Week.
US Marine Corps/Orion StPierre
Some of the German ship's company are also on duty on weekends, but this is arranged in such a way that everyone gets enough free time on land. This offers the opportunity to make international friends.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Leadership task: Rear Admiral Axel Schulz, commander of Task Group IPD24, in an interview with a journalist. Public communication about the German Navy's global engagement is at the core of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024.
Bundeswehr/David Wähner
The thoughtful side of Fleet Week: It traditionally takes place on the weekend around Memorial Day. Here, Vice Admiral Doug Perry, commander US 2nd Fleet(l.), visits the 9/11 Open Sky Memorial in Jersey City.
US Navy/Clay Whaley
Strengthening partnerships: Perry (l.) onboard “Baden-Württemberg”, welcomed by commanding officer, Commander Dirk Matheis. Perry's area of responsibility includes the entire North Atlantic, also main area of operations for German frigates.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Naval diplomacy in action: On the evening of May 23rd, around 500 guests gather for a reception onboard “Baden-Württemberg”. The official invitation came from the German ambassador in Washington, D.C., Andreas Michaelis.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Ambassador Michaelis (2nd from left) with admirals Perry and Schulz as well as Commander Matheis. For German diplomats, German naval vessels in foreign ports are platforms for their work that leave unique impressions.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Diplomatic receptions on German naval vessels formally end with an Evening Colours ceremony at sunset. Networking between the guests continues quite informally afterwards.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Most Fleet Week New York events take place in Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. The navy ships visiting the city are just five blocks away.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
“Thank you for your service”: Americans maintain a close relationship with their men and women in uniform. This includes the guests from Germany, who are a popular photo opportunity for passers-by in Times Square.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Public concerts are part of Fleet Week's fixed program. Here is Corporal William Pfaff, bassist with the Quantico Marine Corps Band, in Times Square on the evening of May 22nd. A highlight for the German visitors, too
US Marine Corps/Aldo Sessarego
Unique selling point of navies: In times of mass tourism, sailors experience foreign countries and peoples in a very exclusive way. These German sailors will never forget their trip to New York.
Bundeswehr/Nico Theska
Bye, bye, New York! When Task Group IPD24 left on 26 May, Rear Admiral Schulz (r.) and his crews saluted the Empty Sky Memorial once again. It is located on the west bank of the Hudson River directly across from Lower Manhattan.
Bundeswehr/Nico TheskaFrigate FGS “Baden-Württemberg” and replenishment ship FGS “Frankfurt am Main” were in New York City from May 22nd to 26th. They had arrived on time for Fleet Week, a traditional public event of the US Navy.
