In memoriam
After a varied, diverse and demanding life, Jan Wiedemann, Captain (Ret.) German Navy passed away on 18 February. Jan was born on 24 March 1943 in Bremen, where he graduated from the High School in 1963. Jan’s greatest wish to start a career as a fighter-bomber pilot in the still young German Bundeswehr was achieved at that time: he was successfully accepted into the Armed Forces and began his officer training with „Crew IV/63“.
In Phoenix (Arizona), he spent seven and a half years as an operational pilot of the F-104G ”Starfighter” in the Naval Aviation Squadron 1 (Marinefliegergeschwader 1). He was then deployed – from August 1975 to September 1978 – as a flight instructor (jet) at Sheppard Air Force Base (Texas). From January 1980 to September 1982, he was Squadron Captain of the F-104G “Starfighter” in the MFG 1 and MFG 2, and from October 1982 to September 1984, Jan was Deputy Commander and Operational Officer of the Flying Group in MFG 2.
For his outstanding service, Jan received the following awards:
_German Armed Forces Cross of Honor in Gold
_Badge for Achievements in Troop Service in Gold
_United States Air Force Command Pilot Wings
During his early flight training in the United States, he married his Mexican wife Maria in Phoenix (Arizona). They got two children, Michaela and … It was widely heard that Maria’s kindness, warmth and dedication to Jan and the family were qualities that defined Jan’s life over many decades. As a father, Jan was a guiding force in his children’s lives. His guidance extended beyond words – he led by example, showing his children how to face challenges with courage, how to treat others with kindness and ho to stand up for what they believed in.
After returning to Germany, from October 1984 to September 1997, Jan took up his post at NATO Headquarters Allied Forces Northern Europe in Kolas (Norway), and after the necessary preparatory courses for the Attaché Service, Jan acted as a Defence Attaché at the German Embassy in Oslo (October 1990 to September 1993). Here, Jan received the Knight’s Cross 1st Class of the Norwegian Order of St. Olars (Royal Norwegian Order of Merit). Jan was able to use the knowledge and experience he gained here in his subsequent position as a consultant in the Ministry of Defence from October 1993 to September 1996. A second Attaché assignment took Jan from September 1997 to March 2000 to the German Embassy in Accra (Ghana) with responsibility for West Africa. Here, Jan ended his service with his return to Germany.
Beginning in 2000, Jan found a completely new field of activity as Publisher at Mönch Publication Group in Bonn (Germany) and Editor of “Naval Forces” magazine. From now on, he emerged as a highly committed specialist for naval affairs in the community, joining symposia, conferences and industry fairs at home and around the world – from the United States to Australia. His extensive knowledge helped him develop and realise a large number of special publications that found their way into the worldwide naval community. At Mönch, Jan was a personal mentor to many of us. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experiences with those eager to learn. For Jan, mentoring was not just about teaching skills; it was about helping others discover their strengths and build confidence. His legacy as a mentor now lives on in the lives of those he guided and inspired.
Today, as we say our goodbyes, let us carry forward the lessons Jan taught us. Let us remember his kindness, his generosity and his love for live. Jan’s spirit that was experienced by anyone at Mönch will live on in our hearts and in the lives he touched.
Uta und Volker Schwichtenberg
Stefan Nitschke and Team
