Wilhelmshaven: Change of command at MUKdo

On Friday, 29 September 2023, the handover of command of the Naval Support Command from Flotilla Admiral Lars Holm (62) to Captain Matthias Michael Potthoff (56) will take place at 10 a.m. in Wilhelmshaven. The change of command will be carried out by Rear Admiral Christoph Müller-Meinhardt, Head of the Operational Support Department.

Since 2017, Flotilla Admiral Holm has been the commander of the Naval Support Command in Wilhelmshaven, which ensures the operational capability and readiness of the German Navy's fleet.

"I can look back on a multifaceted, thoroughly challenging and absolutely enriching time as Commander of the Naval Support Command. The command is indispensable with regard to the maintenance of our ships, boats, airborne weapon systems and the numerous naval land installations. The same applies to the support of the BAAINBw in the extensive armaments projects. It is also essential that the Navy would not be capable of command and control without the secure operation of its radio transmitting and receiving centres operated by the command; the high value of the Naval Support Command and the servicewomen and men and civilian employees who belong to it should thus be adequately described. In short: MUKdo, an outstanding team with wonderful people that is indispensable for the Navy," said Flotilla Admiral Holm.

Flotilla Admiral Holm is now retiring after 42 years of service.

His successor, Captain Matthias Michael Potthoff, was most recently Head of Division at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Bonn for the Capability Development and Strategic Management Division of the "Effectiveness" domain.

"In the past five-plus years in the ministry, I was able to help plan, steer and shape the future of the navy and the air force. In doing so, I directly experienced the turning point and thus a lot of momentum," says Captain Potthoff, summarising his time in Bonn. "I am now looking forward to taking on responsibility for the operation of the navy, and to sharing and shaping the momentum here in the Naval Support Command with my staff and the servicemen and women. Our greatest potential is our people with their concentrated expertise, and that is our greatest asset, which I look upon with respect and eager anticipation."

Captain Potthoff tackles his new task in Wilhelmshaven with his favourite moth: Making the doable doable!