1977

As during previous years, 1977 has proven to be an exceptional and rewarding experience, opening a variety of new fields for training and interest to the soldiers of both the 143d Signal Battalion and the 5th Fernmeldebataillon.  The 143d Signal Battalion has endeavored with success to formulate one of the most recognized Project Partnership programs within the 3d Armored Division, incorporating numerous areas of mission orientated exchanges of information and training programs.


During 1977, the soldiers of both sister battalions completed educational training in the areas of communications in the field.  Qualification with both U.S. and Bundeswehr weapons to include First Aid and other combat related functions were admirably performed.  Combined elements of both battalions have engaged in unit exchange programs, tactical road marches, and varied military subject educational classes.  They have visited other NATO Forces, the French and the British Army of the Rhine, and have also engaged in German Submarine Exercises in the Baltic Sea.

The 143d Signal Battalion maintains and will continue to support one of the finest accounts under the banner of Project Partnership.  The success of Project Partnership for 1977 is over; the future success for 1978 has just begun.

MICHAEL A. GARCIA
LTC, Sig C
Commanding

GERMAN KREIGSMARINE

During World War II, Kiel was one of the main ports from which the dreaded U-Boat Wolf packs were unleashed against allied shipping.  Thirty years later, Kiel is still a base for the German submarines and their crews.

Within the frame of the Atlantic Alliance, the modern German Navy is responsible for numerous and essential missions, the most unique of which is the security and defense of the Baltic Sea and its channels.

Far out at sea, the crew of the 1st Ubootgeschwader (U-Boat Squadron) are on constant alert.  Today's target is the Deutschland, training and school battleship of the German fleet.  Of course only hard rubber torpedos will be fired at the battleship.  Just below the surface action stations are sounded, followed by those familiar commands, "DIVE, DIVE, DIVE"!

 

PARTNERSHIP VISITS KIEL


During the month of May 1977, twelve Non-Commissioned Officers of Company "B", 143d Signal Battalion were invited together with German Non-Commissioned Officers of the 2nd Kompanie, Fernmeldebataillon 5, 5th Panzer Division to be guests of the 1st Ubootgeschwader (U-Boat Squadron) which is based at the port of Kiel.

This tour, under the Project Partnership Program, proved to be educational for both the American NCOs and their Bundeswehr counterparts. A warm welcome awaited the partnership soldiers when they arrived at the 1st U-Boat Squadrons headquarters.

The Bundeswehr NCOs and Company "B" personnel received an informative and interesting orientation regarding the mission of the 1st U-Boat Squadron. Topics discussed in laymen's terms were technical data pertaining to The German Navy's' modern destroyers, the ROMMEL and MOLDERS, both of which were christened after the two famous war-time commanders.  Covered also was information pertinent towards the largest battleship of the fleet, the DEUTSCHLAND.

During their stay in Kiel, some of the Company "B" Non-Commissioned Officers requested an opportunity to view, at close hand, a U-Boat. The German U-Boat brings back memories of great sea battles and a certain nostalgia of a bygone era. At the Seamen's Memorial in Labeau/Kiel, one of the last and most reputed U-Boats of World War II lies in dry dock as a lasting tribute to the men of the sea.

 The Captain of this vessel, U-22, one of the most highly decorated officers in the German Kreigsmarine, refused the surrender of his U-Boat and crew, continuing his relentless pursuit of allied shipping for ten days after the German surrender. The U-22 was finally seized at Narvik while surfacing for air and supplies. Company "B" NCOs spent an entire day viewing the U-22 and the Seamen's Museum.

The following day, the crew of the 1st U-Boat Squadron escorted the NCOs of Company "B" and Fernmeldebataillon 5, around the Kiel naval dock yard where many had the chance to board one of the squadrons U-Boats. We were informed that each vessel was crewed by twenty two seamen and one master. And that deep in its hull, each U-Boat carried six torpedos.

During the course of the U-Boat tour a practice alert was called. Seamen appeared from everywhere to man their stations. There were whistles and sounds of all kinds, and the Captain commanded his 2nd officer, "DIVE, DIVE, DIVE"! Although the U-Boat was still at anchor, the "B" Company NCOs were enjoying the excitement of another Partnership Project.  After the first two days as guests of the 1st U-Boat Squadron a feeling of real partnership was developing between the seamen and soldiers. It was this sense of comradeship which each man enjoyed.

Apart from their U-Boat duties and responsibilities, the crew was also tasked with maintenance and on the job training in the Motor Torpedo Boats. The NCOs of both the Bundeswehr and Company "B" were informed of technical data pertaining to these fast patrol boats (SCHNELL-BOOTE-ZOBEL KLASSE). The German Motor Torpedo Boat or Fast Patrol Boat carries a crew of 39 seamen, and is powered by a Jaguar 12.000 hp diesel motor. This class of torpedo boats deck armament consists of 29 depth charges, 2 40mm deck guns and 6 torpedos. Of course the "B" Company NCOs and their German counterparts got a closer look.

On the last evening of the Project Partnership tour in Kiel, the Non-commissioned Officers of Company "B" and the Bundeswehr NCOs of the 2nd Kompanie in Diez were invited by the 1st U-Boat Squadron Captain to a naval dinner in the Submarine lounge. The menu consisted of various sea and meat dishes. During the evening, Captain Gerd Hanser, commander of the U-Boat Squadron, made a speech for Project Partnership. This had been the first time that United States service men had paid a visit to Kiel and the U-Boat Squadron. And the Captain went on to say how very impressed he was of the Esprit-de-Corps which both partnership units had presented to the U-Boat squadron. The Non-commissioned Officers of Company "B" then presented their battalion plaque and sincere thanks to the host unit. The bus returning to Frankfurt departed early the following morning. But not before the seamen and soldiers had exchanged addresses and souvenirs and a final farewell.