Sponsorship with the Navy: Sulzbach-Rosenberg revives old traditions

Sponsorship with the Navy: Sulzbach-Rosenberg revives old traditions

The city of Sulzbach-Rosenberg has had a special connection to the navy since 1964, which has now been revived by a visit to the mine-hunting boat “Sulzbach-Rosenberg” in Kiel. On the occasion of the handover of command on September 18th, 1st Mayor Stefan Frank, 2nd Mayor Günter Koller and City Councilor Bettina Moser traveled to Kiel to strengthen the friendly bonds. Lieutenant Commander Markus Kuche took over command from Lieutenant Commander Florian Förster, while Frigate Captain Inka von Puttkamer led the official handover.

In recent years the sponsorship had lost some of its momentum, mainly due to restructuring within the Navy. Since 2014, crews have rotated between different boats, making it difficult to build personal relationships between the soldiers and the citizens of Sulzbach-Rosenberg. But the situation has now improved and the city wants to actively live the connection again.

Revival of sponsorship

Mayor Stefan Frank expressed how proud the city is that the boat bears its name. He emphasizes the importance of filling the sponsorship with life and promoting exchange, for example through invitations to city festivals such as the Old Town or Annaberg Festival. “Any signal of support we can give the force is important,” he added.

The Navy is currently facing numerous challenges. Since Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022, the threat situation in the Baltic Sea has changed. The Navy is also struggling with significant personnel problems. The long deployment times of up to 230 days per year at sea place a great strain on the soldiers. Nevertheless, many emphasize that the camaraderie on smaller units such as the minehunters is strong and the atmosphere on board, especially at sunset, is something very special.