Global InformationKampfschwimmerkommando 18 information
| Kampfschwimmerkommando 18 | |
|---|---|
| Active | April 1, 1957 to March 31, 1991 |
| Country | East Germany |
| Branch | Volksmarine |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Special operations Combat diving Special reconnaissance |
| Size | 100 |
| Part of | Combat Swimmer Command 18 (KSK-18) |
| Garrison/HQ | Kühlungsborn[1] |
| Battle honours | Richard Staimer |
Kampfschwimmerkommando 18[2] (English: Combat Swimmer Command 18), or KSK-18,[3] was a naval special warfare unit in the Volksmarine that specialized in amphibious warfare, clandestine operation, commando style raids, defusing and disposal of naval mine or various types of bombs, irregular warfare, marine salvage, maritime search and rescue, naval special warfare operations, personal security for high-ranking Volksmarine officers and government dignitaries visiting the naval base area, providing security at naval base or shore stations, special reconnaissance, tactical combat diving, and underwater demolition.
Before the unit was demobilized, it was known to have 100 divers in its ranks.[4]
- ^ "Die Dienststelle Kühlungsborn der Nationalen Volksarmee mit Schwerpunkt Kampfschwimmerkommando 18 / KSK-18" (PDF) (in German). 2020-02-03. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
- ^ "Abkürzungsverzeichnis" (PDF) (in German). Stasi Records Archive.
- ^ "Daring underwater escape from East Germany". Covert Shores. 2019-03-16. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
- ^ "Kampfschwimmerkommando (KSK-18): Bojoví plavci východního Německa" (in Czech). Army Web. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2023-07-11.