German Navy frigate FGS Sachsen concludes operation Sophia deployment

The first German Navy vessel to deploy in 2018 is returning home after concluding a five-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the EU-led operation Sophia.

FGS Sachsen, the lead ship of the German Navy’s F124 air defense frigates, is set to return to her homeport in Wilhelmshaven on May 11.

The frigate and her crew spent a total of 120 days on operations. During this time, they sailed 20.000 nautical miles and rescued 403 migrants in the Mediterranean.

Sachsen got underway on January 5 to replace F123 frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern which represented the German contribution to the EU operation from August 2017 to January 2018. In addition to her crew, Sachsen deployed with a team Slovakian boarding specialists.

Once they arrive home, the crew will enjoy a deserved break before getting underway for live fire drills off Norway in June.

FGS Sachsen is one of three F124 frigates in Germany Navy service. The ship was laid down at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in February 1999 and delivered to the navy in November 2002. The 143-meter ship displaces 5.800 tonnes and is powered by one gas turbine and two diesel engines.