Consider the salt-tinged air. Consider the rhythmic clang of distant shipyards as we stand here at Marinestützpunkt Hohe Düne. This naval base is a crucial part of Germany’s maritime history. It stands as a testament to strategic importance and constant evolution.
Marinestützpunkt Hohe Düne is more than just docks and vessels. It is a place where naval history unfolds. It echoes with the past and resonates with the present. Its story weaves through war, peace, division, and reunification.
In 1913, the area was planned as a seaplane station by the city of Rostock. This was in preparation for the Ostseeflug Warnemünde. World War I halted these plans. The Imperial Navy seized the aircraft and the airfield. It established a naval aviation station. The Seeflugzeug-Versuchskommando tested naval aircraft here. There was also a marine information center. Plus, there was a marine new construction administration.
During the Weimar Republic, Germany could not possess military aircraft. The airfield continued as a civilian airport. It housed companies like Seeflug GmbH. It also had a branch of the German Air Transport School. This school secretly trained military pilots for the Reichsmarine.
During World War II, Marinestützpunkt Hohe Düne housed naval aviators. It also housed security forces of the Navy. These included a port security and a guard flotilla.
After the war, the facilities were largely destroyed. The site was used for civilian purposes. This was with the exception of a Soviet Navy signal station.
The German Democratic Republic formed its naval forces. They were initially known as the Main Administration Sea Police. Later they were named the People’s Navy. The construction of the Hohe Düne naval base began on the northern shore of the Breitling. It became home to the 4th Flotilla. It also housed the 6th Border Brigade Coast. Plus, parts of the Sea Hydrographic Service of the GDR were located here. Coastal protection ships and submarine defense ships were stationed here. Also stationed were minesweepers, patrol boats, and support ships. Ships of the Seehydrographischer Dienst were stationed here too.
After 1990, the base saw significant changes. From 1991 to 1994, and again from 2001, a naval base command was established. The remaining units of the People’s Navy were consolidated. They formed a coastal guard squadron. This squadron was dissolved by the end of 1991. The ships were decommissioned or transferred.
Marinestützpunkt Hohe Düne became the main base for the Schnellbootflottille. The staff moved from Flensburg to Hohe Düne in September 1994. The 2nd Schnellbootgeschwader followed in November 1994. The 7th Schnellbootgeschwader arrived in December 1995.
In 2006, the Schnellbootflottille and the 2nd Schnellbootgeschwader were disbanded. The 1st Korvettengeschwader was established. In 2016, the last Schnellbootgeschwader was dissolved. The two tenders transferred to the newly formed support squadron. Today, the base hosts the Marinestützpunktkommando Warnemünde. It also hosts the 1st Korvettengeschwader. The tenders Elbe and Donau of the support squadron are here. The Federal Police Inspectorate Sea with several patrol boats is also located here. There is also a base for the SAR service for aircraft in Germany.
Marinestützpunkt Hohe Düne continues to evolve. It embodies Germany’s commitment to maritime security. It reflects a dynamic history. It adapts to face modern challenges. The base stands ready to protect and serve.