First in Germany’s Navy: Woman appointed frigate commander

History has been made in the German Navy.

TodayPress TV reports that Ute Niklas has become the first woman to command a frigate in the country’s navy.

At a ceremony in Wilhelmshaven, command of the frigate Rheinland-Pfalz was transferred from Captain Benedikt Eichhorn to Ute Niklas.

Niklas said she was taking command at an exciting yet challenging time. According to her, the entire crew will have to make a major effort to bring the vessel back to full operational readiness.

The new commander has extensive experience with F125-class frigates. She previously served as the ship’s executive officer and is well acquainted with the Rheinland-Pfalz’s crew, structure and missions.

The frigate is currently undergoing repairs at a dock. Once the work is completed, the vessel is expected to return to sea and be restored to full operational readiness.

The number of women in the Bundeswehr remains relatively low. According to official data, around 25,000 of the more than 184,000 military personnel in the German armed forces are women. Women have had access to all military career opportunities in the Bundeswehr only since 2001.

At the same time, German media report that female service members in the armed forces still do not have full access to suitable personal equipment. In particular, the shortage of body armor designed to fit the female anatomy remains an issue.

Turkan Isgandarli