The frigate “Nordrhein-Westfalen” will return to its home port of Wilhelmshaven on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The frigate was deployed as part of the multinational UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) task force off the coast of Lebanon.
“With the return of the frigate ‘Nordrhein-Westfalen,’ our UNIFIL mission comes to an end, marking the end of the ship and crew’s first overseas deployment. We have spent almost six months at sea, characterized by a demanding mission coupled with a challenging security situation in the region,” says the commanding officer, Commander Rico Geisler. The mission’s objective is to support the Lebanese armed forces in monitoring their maritime border and thus contribute to the stability of the region. Furthermore, the training of the Lebanese Navy is being continuously monitored and supported.
In addition to its core mission, the frigate participated in numerous multinational exercises off the Lebanese coast with forces from the UNIFIL mission and NATO partners. The deployment was also shaped by security developments and conflicts in the region. Close cooperation at sea not only strengthened the operational capabilities of all participating forces but also deepened international cooperation and mutual trust.
On board, the strong team spirit proved to be a reliable foundation for a successful mission. “I am proud of my crew’s performance. They have impressively demonstrated that they can be relied upon at any time, even under difficult conditions, and their commitment has made a valuable contribution to the success of the UNIFIL mission,” the commanding officer summarized. “Now we are looking forward to returning home and seeing our families, relatives, and friends again,” he continued.
The frigate “Nordrhein-Westfalen” covered approximately 22,000 nautical miles during its deployment, which is equivalent to almost 41,000 kilometers. The ship is returning to Wilhelmshaven with around 160 sailors, including embarked boarding teams from the Naval Infantry Battalion.