Goenitz is a high-ranking officer of the Gatlantis Empire serving directly under Emperor Zwordar. As Commander-in-Chief of the Gatlantis Astro Fleet, he commands numerous fleets and wields significant military power. Despite his authority, he remains wary of figures like Saberah, never lowering his guard around them.

One of Zwordar's oldest and most trusted followers, Goenitz engages in court intrigues, conspiring with Sabera and Razera to undermine the rival Gamilas leader, Desler. This plot backfires, incurring the Emperor's wrath. When their actions inadvertently assist the Yamato crew in crippling Gatlantis forces, Zwordar abandons Goenitz and his co-conspirators aboard a doomed space station.

Within the *Yamato 2199/2202* continuity, Goenitz retains his position as a senior military commander. During the final assault on the Gatlantis-controlled White Comet, he leads forces against Earth and its allies. His demise occurs when the "Golem" system activates; this Zemulian-designed failsafe weapon emits a frequency lethal to artificial life forms like the Gatlanteans, causing Goenitz's body to disintegrate. Emperor Zwordar witnesses this event, offering a brief moment of solemn reflection on Goenitz's loyalty before the empire's destruction.

His character design and name draw inspiration from historical figures; he is named after Karl Dönitz and bears a physical resemblance to Ambrose Burnside. While his death scene is not depicted in the original *Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato* film, later adaptations like *Yamato 2202* definitively conclude his arc, showing his end tied directly to the Golem activation and the Gatlantis Empire's fall.