German Navy’s combat support ship EGV Frankfurt am Main which damaged its stern in March this year is ready to deploy again after undergoing repair works in Kiel.
The ship sustained stern damage while reversing into a sea lock at Wilhelmshaven navy base and had to sail for Kiel where it was repaired by German Navy Yards.
Now that the repairs are completed, the EGV Frankfurt am Main is set for a deployment with NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 in the Aegean Sea.
The ship and its crew are scheduled to depart the Wilhelmshaven naval base on October 19 to relieve German Navy frigate FGS Lübeck currently deployed to SNMG2.
Frankfurt am Main is expected to remain in waters off the Turkish coast for the next six months, returning home in March 2018.
SNMG2 is currently monitoring and patrolling the Aegean Sea and reporting all migrant boats leaving the Turkish coasts for Europe.
Another goal of the operation is an increase in the cooperation between the European border agency Frontex and the maritime authorities of Turkey and Greece. By doing so, NATO hopes to curb the migration flow and smuggling activities in the Aegean Sea.