On August 22, Germany was handed command of numerous ships from coalition forces, including the U.S., France and the UK, patrolling the waterways from the Horn of Africa to the southeastern shores of Iran. The fleet, called Combined Task Force 150, is designed to suppress terrorist maritime activities in the Arabian Sea—the vital waters off the Horn that pump the lifeblood of oil to feed the insatiable industrialized appetites of economies worldwide.

This mission provides more evidence of Germany’s desire not only to enhance its peacekeeping credentials but also to secure this volatile and oil-rich area.

Combined Task Force 150 was established as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in late 2001. Each nation serves a 3½-month stint commanding the force; this marks the fourth time Germany has had command. Rear Adm. Heinrich Lange of Germany has relieved Pakistani Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal of command of the fleet. During the ceremony, Rear Admiral Iqbal said, “I’m sure that he [Rear Adm. Lange] and his team will continue with the finest traditions of the highly qualified navy to which they belong” (Navy.mil, August 23).

The qualifications of Germany’s navy are growing stronger over time. Having shed its stigma, the navy and other German armed forces are moving to the forefront of coalitions and joint forces. In addition to stepping up its naval presence on the Horn of resource-laden Africa, Germany has increased its naval activity in the Middle East, including the Mediterranean. When other armed forces are included, Germany has more than 7,700 troops deployed in over a dozen missions around the world, including the Congo and Sudan.

This reality represents a drastic change from the Germany of years past, still atoning for its sins in World Wars i and ii, that conscientiously shied away from military endeavors. Peacekeeping missions have provided legitimacy for Germany’s military endeavors.

Germany has proved itself the powerhouse of Europe, in politics, science and economics. Increasingly, it is flexing its military muscle. Under the banner of enforcing peace, the German Navy has enclosed one of the most unstable and potentially profitable regions on Earth. The world had better pay attention.