kommet

Kommend is a type of administrative or naval vessel that served multiple purposes in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The term is often associated with the German Navy, but its usage extended to other European navies as well. In the broader sense, a kommend was a ship designed to accompany larger vessels, such as warships or merchant ships, on designated tasks or missions.

One of the primary roles of a kommend was to serve as an icebreaker or a supply ship during harsh weather conditions or in icy waters. In this context, kommends were equipped with reinforced hulls and advanced propulsion systems to withstand the rigors of navigation in frozen environments. They also carried supplies, including food, water, and equipment, necessary for maintaining the operations of larger ships.

In addition to their logistical and navigation responsibilities, kommends were employed as dispatch vessels. Their purpose was to transmit messages and carry important cargo between ships or to shore-based authorities. This responsibility arose from their typical positioning alongside larger vessels, providing an added layer of communication support and facilitating the coordination of maritime operations.

The use of kommends as dispatch vessels reflects their versatility in combining multiple functions with minimal size or crew requirements. This employment of smaller ships for support and communication duties was highly valued in various naval organizations during this period, as it enabled more efficient and responsive decision-making in complex maritime environments.