Cross of the Order of Merit

German Ambassador Mr Georg Boomgaarden has awarded Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, in recognition of his outstanding naval career spanning over 30 years. The ceremony was held on 3 September at the Ambassador’s residence.

Since entering the German Navy in October 1968, Rear Admiral Witthauer has taken on many significant duties. In September 2003 he became Commander of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean leading the international force in the eastern Mediterranean and Gibraltar Straits during NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour in this capacity.

As Commander of the German destroyer flotilla, some of his ships were based near the Horn of Africa. From there he led with great flair and foresight, creating a lasting legacy in the host country, Djibouti, and other Arab states in the region.  In December 2006 Rear Admiral Witthauer was appointed Commander  of the European Forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and during this time he proved to be a competent, forward-looking and masterful representative for the EU.

Rear Admiral Witthauer, who has been Deputy Inspector of the Navy and Chief of Staff since February 2008 has championed naval concerns efficiently and persuasively.