 In 1907, Günther Lütjens served aboard the ship as a cadet; Lütjens went on to command the task force composed of and in World War II.In August 1908, "Freya" represented Germany at celebrations in Halifax, Canada, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Canadian Parliament.While entering the port at around midnight on 9 August, she inadvertently rammed a schooner in heavy fog.