The Minister of National Defence, Panos Kammenos, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Georgios Giakoumakis, and the Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet, Vice Admiral Konstantinos Karageorgis, attended exercise “Periskopio” of the Hellenic Navy aboard submarine “MATROZOS”, which, according to the exercise scenario, submerged and, among others, executed a simulated torpedo attack.
In his address to the crew of SS “MATROZOS” he stated, among others, the following:
“It is a great honour and pleasure to be here today with you, our Navy’s submarine crews. You are the worthy heirs of the legacy of Papanikolis, Pipinos, Matrozos, and Katsonis. Naval tradition remains unchanged, as our submarines are named after heroes of our country’s naval history.
As you know, our country is situated in a sea area of great geopolitical and geostrategic importance. In view of this, and due to the constant unrest and instability in the broader region of the Southeast Mediterranean, it is imperative to have a strong Navy. Especially now, when everything in our region is in motion, the importance of Greece increases each day. A member state of NATO and the EU, as well as a country that can discuss with all the major players in the region, with Israel, as well as the Arab countries. With excellent bilateral relations forged at the military, diplomatic, and political levels with countries such as Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.
The reinforcement of our Fleet with the “PAPANIKOLIS” class submarines and the modernisation of the P-3 maritime co-operation aircraft which is in progress, has upgraded and enhanced our Navy’s combat strength. In a few months, with the re-entry of P-3s into service, we will be able to have full situational awareness over this area and this will facilitate your work.
So, your contribution to the defence of national independence and the maintenance of the status quo in the Aegean are crucial and of great national importance. You are well aware that the Aegean and the Southeast Mediterranean are within your range and that your constant presence supports our defence diplomacy and strengthens Greece’s position in the international environment.
Your mission reflects and aims at projecting and reinforcing our country’s role, which is to maintain and promote peace and security. At this point, allow me to congratulate you for your successful work, particularly during the past month.
In conclusion, I would like to express once again our total appreciation of the leadership and personnel of our Navy, who managed to successfully integrate the modern submarines to our Fleet, after all the troubles we went through as Ministry of National Defence and Hellenic Navy. Thanks to you, we proved that the Officers, NCOs, the men and women, and the civilian personnel of the Navy can manage the impossible. It is thanks to you that we have our submarines today.
Keep the Flag flying high and may the Patron Saint of our Navy, Saint Nikolaos, always be with you. You have the full and total support of the political and military leadership. We are proud of you. I wish to everyone good health, family happiness, and safe sails while defending our nation.
Good luck in your mission. Thank you for your work”.
