German naval history

The German navy has operated under different names. See
 * Prussian Navy, 1701–1867
 * Reichsflotte (Fleet of the Realm), 1848–52
 * North German Federal Navy, 1867–71
 * Imperial German Navy (" Kaiserliche Marine"), 1871–1919
 * Reichsmarine, 1919–35
 * Kriegsmarine, 1935–45
 * German Mine Sweeping Administration, 1945 to 1956
 * German Navy, since 1956
 * Volksmarine the navy of East Germany, 1956–91