Hans-Joachim Dönitz (born June 26, 1934 in Leipzig, Germany - died December 31, 2010 in Strausberg, Germany) was a Rear Admiral (Konteradmiral) in the East German Navy (Volksmarine). His father was a sales representative. After leaving school Hans-Joachim Dönitz studied from 1948 to 1952 in the specialty of sales representative. On May 12, 1952, he entered the service in the Maritime People Police (Volkspolizei See (VP-See)), forerunner of the East German People’s Navy “Volksmarine”. From 1952-54 he studied at the VP-See Officer's School in Stralsund.