- SACHSEN is state of the art technology, when it comes to radar, navigation and weapon systems, lieutenant commander and press officer Christopher Kohlmorgen explains.

And SACHSEN is an impressive sight alongside the quay in Aarhus, where he moored Friday morning 08:30. Several local inhabitants have appeared to bend their neck and view the activity on the deck and bow. The gangway is fitted with sails with the inscription: Frigate SACHSEN.

FGS SACHSEN på vej ind til  Århus 1. september.  Foto: M. Declerck, BEN

- When is there open ship, several spectators ask curiously. They will have to wait till later in the afternoon and in the weekend.

FGS SACHSEN, which has been fully operational since 2004, is in Aarhus together with SEF (Standard Einsatz- und Ausbildungsverband der Flotte) and will join exercise DANEX06 Monday with seven ships total.
It is the first time the young frigate participates in a SEF- and DANEX exercise. Furthermore, it is the first time the frigate will act as command ship for the German vessels under Hardy Hübener, commander senior grade (sg). He explains the principal task for the ship:

The German frigate FGS SACHSEN  alongside the quay in Aarhus.   Photo: Vivian Stampe, RDN

- To create and present an accurate general picture of the exercise situation. The ship is designed to get the picture, both above, below and at surface level. This is managed by sophisticated radar and sonar systems.

Commander (sg) Hardy Hübener and lieutenant commander Christopher Kohlmorgen agrees that one of the largest challenges in the DANEX is the Disaster Relief exercise in the northern part of Jutland. The key to this exercise is to expect the unexpected.

Lieutenant commander Christopher Kohlmorgen:

- 80 percent of the exercise is about improvisation. The disaster happens suddenly and the Navy, by coincidence in the area, has to help without any preparation or knowledge about the size or reason for the disaster.

Facts about  FGS SACHSEN:  Length overall: 143 meter  Beam: 17.44 meter  Draught: 6.80 meter  Crew total: 255

Before SACHSEN arrived in Aarhus the ship and crew have been six weeks at sea as a part of SEF. Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel was onboard for a period. There has been busyness onboard Hübener assures. Therefore he is certain that the crew is looking forward to visit Aarhus and the current Aarhus Festival.

Hübener will not have time for relaxation and sightseeing and looks a little tired as he starts to open the stack of white envelopes with official invitations.