A Show Of Respect For The Fallen

Story/photo by Lt.j.g.Kevin McHorney - USS Doyle

Sept. 11 has become a day for remembrance both for those that have died for our country and for those that still defend it today.

It has become a time to honor the police officers and the firefighters defending our lives and the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen defending our freedom. This day of remembrance is not only kept in the hearts of Americans, but in all people around the world who defy terrorism.

Nowhere was this more evident than in the North Sea above Scotland when the officers and crew of the German frigate FGS Niedersachsen (F 208) rendered honors to guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) in honor of those that died.

“All right folks this is the captain,” came the voice of Cmdr. Tony Martin, Doyle’s vommanding officer, over the 1MC announcing system. “The German frigate, Niedersachsen is going to render honors to us for Sept. 11th. So I need all hands not actually on watch to fall in to starboard.”

As a whole, the crew of the Doyle set down their coffee mugs, laid their brooms and mops on the deck and saved their work on the computers to man the starboard rails. As the crew manned the weather decks and the battle Ensign was hauled up, the Niedersachsen was maneuvering into position for a close approach.

When the German frigate approached one short blast of a police whistle sounded over the 1MC bringing all on the starboard side to attention.

As Niedersachsen pulled alongside, the crew gave a hand salute, and as one they removed their covers and placed them over their hearts as the two ships paralleled each other at 100 yards.

Niedersachsen slowed and matched speed with Doyle, giving the American crew an opportunity see the United States flag flying from the German yardarm. Then, with another blast of the police whistle Doyle’s crew returned the Niedersachsen’s salute.

As Doyle’s crew dropped their salute Niedersachsen increased speed and turned to resume their station in the formation.

“It is amazing that nearly 50 years ago we were engaged in the World War II, and now we are sailing together as allies in the same waters where naval battles occurred,” Ensign J.P. Mantone commented.

The act of remembrance brought the two crews closer together. Several Doyle crewmen took the time to greet their counterparts on the Niedersachsen. Some explored the city of Edinburgh, Scotland together while other German and American Sailors enjoyed a game of golf.

The sailors of the Niedersachsen also invited the Doyle Sailors to participate in an Octoberfest celebration when they next pull into port.

New friendships are being formed because of a simple act of respect for the fallen. In particular, the Niedersachsen’s captain, Cmdr. Bernie Kuhbier served in Mayport as an exchange officer on board USS Antrim and USS Stark in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Doyle and Niedersachsen’s commanding officers first became friends nearly 14 years ago. Now, they lead ships in a common cause.

USS Doyle and FGS Niedersachsen are members of the Standing NATO Forces Atlantic (SNFL) squadron which patrols the Atlantic ocean, North and Baltic seas.

SNFL was transiting the North Sea from Antwerp, Belgium where they had just completed participation in the DANEX 03 exercises, to Leith, Scotland for a pre-exercise conference for Exercise Northern Lights 03. Niedersachsen and Doyle have been part of SNFL since August.