SMS Welf
_underway_on_8_April_2017.JPG) SMS Welf entering port in Lerbin, 2023
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Drambenburg
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| Name: | Welf |
| Laid down: | 13 November 2017 |
| Launched: | 11 October 2021 |
| Christened: | 9 November 2021 |
| Acquired: | 31 May 2022 |
| Status: | Active service |
SMS Welf is the lead ship in her class of Drambenburgian Kreigsmarine aircraft carriers. She is named after Kaiser Erich Ramira von Welf, who had a long and illustrious naval career, eventually being promoted to admiral, before becoming emperor.
Construction began in St. Marie, Drambenburg by Herzog Manufaturing on October 1, 2008, with a ceremonial steel cutting ceremony of the first armor plate for the Welf's aft, starboard armoring. The keel was laid January 31st, 2009. She was cristened April 23, 2019. The von Welf was presented to the Kriegsmarine on 21 April 2020, and was comissioned by Chancellor Walde Herzog on April 11, 2021. She started her first mission in January of 2023, being deployed in the Toyana Ocean to protect shipping lanes from piracy and defend Drambenburgian interests at sea. Upon her launching in 2021, she was the largest warship ever built, surpassing the Zamastanian Talon-class carriers.