Meet Inka Von Puttkamer, First Woman To Head A German Naval Base

Who runs the world? Girls! Who runs the world? Girls!! Yes Beyoncé, women are running the world, breaking waves, charting forbidden territories, walking on water, and claiming their position in this male-dominated world. A new commander has taken the helm in the heart of Germany's naval stronghold in Kiel, breaking through barriers with each stride. Inka von Puttkamer, with determination etched in her gaze and courage coursing through her veins, has become the first woman to lead the 3rd Minesweeper Squadron—a feat not only for herself but for women in the armed forces nationwide.

Who Is Inka von Puttkamer?

With nostalgia and pride, Inka von Puttkamer expressed her return to familiar waters as she assumed her new role. Born in Wilhelmshaven, the naval base is not just a workplace for her—it's a homecoming. "It's a return to a home that I have grown fond of, to waters familiar to me," she shared during a ceremonial roll call, marking a historic moment in Germany's military landscape.

Her journey to command has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Previously serving as commander of the minehunter Homburg and deputy commander of the 3rd Minesweeper Squadron, Inka von Puttkamer has shattered glass ceilings, paving the way for others to follow. Alongside another remarkable female soldier, she has become a beacon of inspiration and possibility.

Amid her achievements, Inka von Puttkamer remains steadfast in her desire to be a role model—not just for women in uniform, but for all those who dare to dream beyond traditional boundaries. "The Bundeswehr offers my husband and me the opportunity to be in leadership positions and to be able to reconcile this with our family," she remarked, underscoring the importance of balance and inclusivity in military leadership.

As she stands at the forefront of change, Inka von Puttkamer's presence speaks volumes. With grace and resilience, she navigates through challenges, demonstrating that gender is not a limitation but a source of strength. Through her leadership, she sends a resounding message: the Bundeswehr empowers women to rise, to lead, and to command.

The squadron comprises 10 vessels dedicated to minehunting. Recently, military personnel unearthed a 1.8-ton British aerial mine during a training session in the Kiel Fjord. As per police accounts, this marked the discovery of the largest unexploded bomb from World War II ever found in the state of Schleswig-Holstein.

According to the Bundeswehr, the current count of female soldiers in the armed forces stands at 24,418, constituting 13% of the total personnel. Female officers number at 6,950. In the Navy, there are 1,728 women in service, a significantly lower figure compared to the Army (4,673) and the Air Force (2,632).

In the waters of Kiel, where history meets the present, Inka von Puttkamer charts a new course—one marked by progress, diversity, and possibility. With each wave she conquers, she propels us towards a future where barriers are broken, and dreams know no bounds.