Additional Coverage:
- German frigate Hessen sailors were on watch 12 hours a day in the Red Sea with only seconds to react to threats in the ‘worst case scenario’ (newsbreak.com)
The Hessen, a German warship actively involved in safeguarding commercial ships in the Red Sea from Houthi incursions, has concluded its missions as part of the European Union’s security initiative. While deployed, the crew of the Hessen stood vigilant against immediate threats, maintaining intense surveillance shifts of twelve hours each day to protect the maritime corridor from Houthi missile and drone strikes.
Assigned to the EU’s Operation Aspides, the Hessen was instrumental in securing the safety of commercial vessels navigating through perilous waters plagued by potential Houthi aggression. The operation underscored the critical importance of maritime security in this strategically vital region. About 240 sailors aboard the Hessen sustained a rigorous schedule, alternating between six hours of duty and six hours of rest, ensuring around-the-clock preparedness for any imminent threats.
Throughout its deployment, the Hessen successfully thwarted four attacks by the Houthi forces and provided escort services to more than twenty commercial ships traversing the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A significant highlight of the ship’s achievements includes the neutralization of a Houthi surface drone by the warship’s helicopter, a decisive action that protected civilian vessels from potential harm.
The captain of the Hessen lauded the mission for demonstrating the frigate’s operational capabilities and for offering invaluable experiential learning to the crew, enhancing the German Navy’s combat readiness. A notable incident during the ship’s deployment involved a close call with a US drone, which was mistakenly targeted near the Red Sea but escaped damage due to a fortunate technical hiccup.
As the Hessen makes its way back to Wilhelmshaven in early May, anticipation builds for the arrival of the Sachsen-class frigate Hamburg, which is expected to take over responsibilities in Operation Aspides in early August. The ongoing commitment of EU member state navies to this region represents a significant contribution to the international effort in maintaining navigational safety and securing commercial interests against persistent maritime threats.