Theodor Hoffmann (admiral)

Theodor Hoffmann (* February 27, 1935 in Gustävel, Mecklenburg, Germany) was an East German Admiral who served as the head of the People's Navy (Volksmarine) and as the last Minister of National Defense of the German Democratic Republic and head of the National People's Army.

Early life
Hoffmann worked from 1949 to 1951 in agriculture. From 1951 to 1952, Hoffmann was a Pioneer Leader in the Wismar District Free German Youth (FDJ).

Military career
In 1952 he became a sailor in the Sea Police (Seepolizei). which would later become the East German People's Navy (Volksmarine). He attended the Officers School of the People's Police at Stralsund and joined the Socialist Unity Party of Germany in 1956. Until 1959 he commanded a fast torpedo boat. From 1960 to 1963 he attended the Soviet Naval War Academy in Leningrad earning a diploma in military science. Subsequently, he held various senior positions in the 6th Fleet of the People's Navy. From 1971 to 1974 he was chief of the 6th Fleet with the rank of Frigate Captain. He later became deputy chief of staff for operational work in the People's Navy command. In 1985 he was appointed Deputy Chief of the People's Navy and Chief of Staff. In 1987 was appointed chief of the People's Navy (who is also Deputy Minister of National Defense) in the rank of Vice Admiral (two stars).

He was promoted to Admiral (three stars) and replaced Heinz Kessler as the Minister of National Defense and head of the National People's Army, serving from 18 November 1989 to April 23, 1990. After being selected as the new Minister for National Defense, Hoffmann was told by the outgoing Defense Minister, Army General Heinz Keßler that he was to be promoted to Generaloberst (Colonel-General) in the Army. Hoffmann refused to switch services and obtained approval from Egon Krenz, Erich Honecker’s successor, to remain an Admiral in the People's Navy. During the transitional period before the unification of Germany he served April 1990 to his retirement on September 24, 1990, as head of the National People's Army under, Rainer Eppelmann, the newly established Minister for Disarmament and Defense

In 1993 Hoffmann published his reminiscences of last days of the National People's Army, Das letzte Kommando; Ein Minister erinnert sich. In 1995 he published his autobiography Kommando Ostsee; Vom Matrosen zum Admiral. He was awarded many East German orders and medals of including the Fatherland Merit Order in Bronze and the Scharnhorst Order.

Family
Hoffmann married Helga Qualo in October 1957. They had two sons Norbert born in 1958 and Rene born in 1965.