EML Vaindlo (M416)

EML "Vaindlo" (M416) is a "Frauenlob"-class minelayer of the Estonian Navy and belongs into the Estonian Navy Mineships Division. The commanding officer of the vessel is Lieutenant Erkki Silm.

Introduction

The minelayer "Vaindlo" is a vessel of the Estonian Navy Mineships Division and also the second modernized Frauenlob class minelayer. A silver star cross represents the light tower on the coat of arms of the vessel. The light tower also symbolizes the international connections between Estonia and her allies. The Red Holy Jüri remembers the fallen British sailors in 1721, whose memorial plate is situated at Vaindloo island. The star cross is placed on Vihula´s municipality coat of arms and combined with the golden and silver lines they represent the ancient Estonian agriculture. The ship's motto is in Latin "Memento" which means in English "Remember". The coat of arms was designed by Priit Herodes. In 2003 a cooperation contract was signed between the Kunda city council and the minelayer "Vaindlo" which gave the vessel a right to wear the Kunda town coat of arms and to introduce the city in all foreign harbors across the world.

History

The EML "Vaindlo" (M416) is built in West-Germany, in a Krögerwerft shipyard in Rendsburg. The vessel was launched on the 16 May 1966 and she entered service a year later in 1967. The German Navy decommissioned "Undine" and two of her twin sisters "Minerva" and "Diana" in late 1990s and gave the vessels to the Estonian Navy to operate. On the ceremony the vessel received an Estonian name "Vaindlo". [http://www.mil.ee/?menu=merevagi&sisu=vaindlo ENS Vaindlo (M416)]

Gallery

ee also

*BALTRON project
*EML Olev (M415)

References

External links

* [http://www.mil.ee/uusmil/index.php?menu=merevagi&sisu=mev Estonian Navy]