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Gustav HesseGDR naval figure
Date of Birth: 27.08.1931
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Rise through the Ranks
- Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff
- Later Career and Retirement
Early Life and Education
Hino Crist was born into a butcher's family and worked as a baker until 1950. In 1950, he enrolled in the Naval Police School in Parow, which later became the Walter Steffens Naval School. After graduating in 1952, he attended specialized naval courses in the Soviet Union from 1952 to 1954.
Military Career
Upon his return from the Soviet Union, Crist served as chief of staff and commander of the 2nd Division of Minelayers and Minesweepers from 1954 to 1956. He then briefly headed the Combat Training Section at the Peenemünde naval base.
From 1956 to 1960, Crist studied at the K.E. Voroshilov Naval Academy in Leningrad. After earning a military specialist diploma, he returned to East Germany and became chief of staff and deputy commander of the 1st Flotilla of the Volksmarine.
Rise through the Ranks
On November 1, 1963, Crist took command of the 6th Flotilla of the Volksmarine, based on the island of Rügen. He was promoted to captain at sea on March 1, 1968, and rear admiral on October 7, 1969, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the GDR's founding.
Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff
From June 1, 1971, to November 30, 1985, Crist served as deputy commander and chief of staff of the Volksmarine, effectively the second-in-command of the East German navy. On October 7, 1979, he was promoted to vice admiral on the 30th anniversary of the GDR's founding.
Later Career and Retirement
On December 1, 1985, Crist became deputy commander and chief of combat training for the Volksmarine. He retired from the navy on November 30, 1988.
