Flotilla 1

Flotilla 1 – in German “Einsatzflottille”, literally operational flotilla – is one of the three major formations of the German Navy. It includes the corvettes, submarines, reconnaissance ships and minehunters as well as the naval infantry and the special forces of the Navy. In addition, the Flotilla has supply ships that ensure that corvettes, minehunters and submarines have a high sea endurance.

They are all formations that specialize in military operations near the coast: the littorals. Because of Germany's geographical location, the Navy has extensive experience in such operations in coastal waters and so-called marginal seas. For shallow and narrow sea areas such as the North and Baltic Seas, small, maneuverable vessels are required.

On the border between sea and land

Corvettes control the littoral zone right up to the shore, submarines operate undetected as reconnaissance vessels or, if necessary, fight against enemy submarines and ships. Mine hunting vessels protect sea routes against sea mines. The Sea Battalion, the naval infantry of the Bundeswehr, is there for missions that cross the borders between sea and land. The Naval Special Forces Command is the only one in the Bundeswehr that has the ability to conduct special operations from the sea. So-called fleet service boats make an important contribution to reconnaissance – for the Navy and also for the decision-makers of the federal government.

The main task of Flotilla 1 is to make these special maritime capabilities available to the Bundeswehr. The staff of the Flotilla, together with the subordinate squadrons, ensures that this operational readiness is planned, organized. And that the around 4,500 men and women of the formation are trained for it.