Change of Command of the Coastal Fleet and Turku Garrison
Captain (N) Sauli Rimmanen will assume the duties of Commander of the Coastal Fleet on 1 February 2025. Rimmanen will transfer to the task from Navy Command Finland where he has been serving as Chief of Staff. The change of command ceremony will be held at Pansio Base on 30 January 2025.
- I assume the duties of Commander of the Coastal Fleet with gratitude and humility. I have the chance of returning to the great readiness formation familiar to me where I have served earlier in various tasks for 15 years in total, for the last time from 2016 to 2018 as the Commander of the 6th Surface Warfare Squadron. The Coastal Fleet is a demanding and rewarding service unit where the staff carry out their work in good team spirit, with professional competence and the highest standards, Rimmanen says and continues:
- In the future as well, we will maintain readiness every day of the year in all circumstances and develop the capability of the Navy comprehensively - along with the introduction of the Pohjanmaa-class corvettes, the capability of the Coastal Fleet will be further improved in the years to come. I would like to express my thanks to my predecessor Captain (N) Patrik Lillqvist for the work well done- I join a highly effective force that has a central role in fulfilling the tasks of the Navy, including securing the maritime connections vital for Finland. We will carry out the tasks assigned to us together!
The outgoing Commander of the Fleet, Captain (N) Patrik Lillqvist will transfer to the task of Director of the War College in the National Defence University. Under the command of Lillqvist, during the preceding two and a half years, the Coastal Fleet has encountered historical moments, including Finland’s accession to NATO. Mine countermeasures vessel Vahterpää served two months as a part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One, which was possible due to Finland having joined the Alliance. This was a major effort for the entire Coastal Fleet from the perspective of training, equipment, and logistics. The many occasions Allies have participated in naval exercises and conducted port visits to Finland have contributed to signalling the growing importance of the Baltic Sea and Finland’s neighbouring areas to other countries and navies as well.
- The sea has become one of the main theatres of international security policy. The staff of the Coastal Fleet, conscripts and reservists included, carry out their work with great professional competence. During my time at the helm, I have been convinced that we are able to fulfil our tasks and the readiness requirements no matter what the circumstances are. The new Commander assumes command of this highly effective fleet with a positive-minded staff. The operation of the fleet will be further strengthened by the new Pohjanmaa-class multi-role corvettes, Lillqvist sums up.
The Coastal Fleet is a Navy readiness formation the core tasks of which include safeguarding Finland’s territorial integrity and sea lines of communication, and repelling attacks from the sea. Furthermore, the fleet trains conscripts for troops to be used in the event of war, participates in international activities and provides executive assistance to other authorities. Authorities conduct close cooperation with one another, for example to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
