On Monday, 8 October 2018, the Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas visited the Hellenic National Meteorological Service in Elliniko, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Christos Christodoulou, and the Special Secretary of the Ministry Kalliopi Papaleonida.

During the visit, he was briefed by the Commander of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service on its operation and work, was given a tour of the National Meteorological Centre and the IT and Communications Directorate, and met with the civilian personnel.

In his address to the Service’s personnel, the Alternate Minister stressed that the Service constitutes a model of cooperation between military and civilian personnel. Furthermore, he stressed its contribution since its establishment in 1931, constantly and decisively providing valuable support not only to the Hellenic Air Force and the Armed Forces in general, but to all society, with its forecasts in the areas of Shipping, Climatology, and Agrometeorology. “Thus, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the only official state entity for meteorological forecasts, has always supported national economy and improves the everyday life of citizens”.

At another point of his address, he stated that:

“We acknowledge that during the past years, during the crisis, you had a heavy burden to bear, both the military and civilian personnel. Today, Greece has managed to change its course.

We are now out of the MoU regime and it is time to start restoring the injustices suffered by the working people. We are now able to provide for the large majority of society, for those who bore a disproportionately heavy burden during the past years”.

He also assured that:

“Our intention is to reinforce the Service, in terms of both personnel and equipment, as well as to protect its institutional role, which can not and will not be challenged.