On Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10 a.m., the frigate “Brandenburg” will enter her home port of Wilhelmshaven. Under the command of Frigate Captain Robert Meyer-Brenkhof, the “Red Eagle” has been deployed far from home for the past six months with UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) off the coast of Lebanon. The frigate’s mission was to monitor the sea and airspace and enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Navy through training support.
“Due to the escalating tension between Iran and Israel, we had to watch as hostilities on land unfolded in the form of countless missiles and rockets. While this presented a depressing picture from the sea, neither the ship nor the crew were in any real danger at any time,” the commander summarized. “After such a long deployment, the crew is now rightly looking forward to some leisure and relaxation, and of course, especially to seeing family and friends again,” continued Frigate Captain Meyer-Brenkhoff.
In numerous exercises and maneuvers, the ship and crew were able to learn and experience a great deal together with the Lebanese Navy and Air Force, as well as with ships and helicopters from UN partners. Away from the sea, the port stays provided variety and relaxation.
The “Red Eagle” has covered around 30,000 nautical miles (approximately 42,100 km) during its deployment and is returning to Wilhelmshaven with around 190 crew members.
The crew includes an on-board operations team from Eckernförde and soldiers who were on board as part of their officer training.