A German frigate will strengthen NATO’s flank in the North Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea in the coming months, DPA reports, Agerpres reads.

The warship, with a crew of 210, left the Wilhelmshaven naval base on Wednesday, a German navy spokeswoman said.

This ship will also be part of the rapid reaction force of the North Atlantic Alliance. According to the German navy, several large-scale NATO maneuvers are planned for example in the Baltic Sea.

„The ship will serve for six months as the flagship of the new German command of the NATO alliance,” indicated the frigate’s captain, Hendrik Wißler, according to the same statement.

With a length of almost 140 meters, the ship is equipped with two helicopters. ‘Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’ was part of NATO’s rapid reaction force for several months last year. The frigate is expected to return to base in July, according to DPA.

Agerpres