The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief of the HNGS Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis HN and the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet Vice Admiral Panagiotis Litsas HN, visited yesterday the frigate “Navarino” which sails in the Aegean Sea at ordered service. Mr. Dendias remain on the frigate until this morning.

Yesterday night, Mr. Dendias was guided around the frigate, he was briefed on the vessel and the crew’s mission, and he had the opportunity to observe an exercise of operational readiness at sea, based on a realistic scenario.

This morning, the Minister of National Defence went aboard a power boat with the Chief of the HNGS and the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet and visited Donousa island, where he had the opportunity to discuss with the islanders and exchange wishes with them for the holidays of Christmas and New Year.

Just before going aboard a type “Aegean Hawk” helicopter, Mr. Dendias made from the frigate’s heliport the following address to the crew:

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

It was a great joy for me, along with the Chief of the HNGS and the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet, to spend a few hours with you. I would like to say that I am impressed by the way you do your job.

I wouldn’t want to exaggerate, yet I tell you that what you do for society and for your country is extremely important, and you know that already. We went through a very important crisis and the feeling that you re efficient is a necessary factor for the average Greek’s pride.

I warmly thank you for what you do, allow me to wish to you and your families, which you will meet soon, happy New Year.

Captain,

Thank you very much for your hospitality. I will always remember it.

Thank you all”.