The Reich Commissioner for Maritime Navigation ("Reiko See") was a service created on 30 May 1942 by the decree of Hitler. The first and only leader of the organization was Karl Kaufmann, a Gauleiter from Hamburg. The Reichs Commissioner – in cooperation with the Reichsmarschall as commissioner for the four-year plan, the high command of the Wehrmacht and the responsible ministers – was to ensure the coordinated planning of all sea transports. To this end, it would combine the entire available merchant vessel transport available, and plan, coordinate and carry out maritime transports. Accordingly, responsibility for the ongoing addition and renewal of the available ship tonnage, its equipment and manning, as well as improving the performance of seaports, were the responsibility of the RKS. The RKS took over control of three German shipping companies: the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the Nord-Reederei and the Schwarzmeer (Black Sea)-Schiffahrts-GmbH, for war requirements. In the photos, the official is wearing a Kriegsmarine Blockade Runner badge and Iron Cross 2nd Class ribbon on his RKS uniform. Each photo measures approximately 6cm x 6cm.