The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos as soon as he was informed on the death of Admiral Nikos Pappas, sent his condolences to his familiars and especially to his son, Rear Admiral Velissarios Pappas. Afterwards, he made the following statement:
“Admiral Nikos Pappas was the symbol of the Navy’s anti-junta protest, when in May 1973, being Commander of the legendary HNS “Velos” which participated in a NATO exercise, sailed in the Italian port Fiumicino, with 6 Officers and 25 NCOs, asking for political asylum.
Nikos Pappas, leader of the Navy’s mutiny, which severely afflicted the junta, was an upmost combatant for Freedom and the reform of Democracy. His bold and heroic attitude was recognised by the State and the entire Hellenic people, and comprised a golden chapter of Modern Greek history.
His death leaves an irreplaceable void to the Armed Forces’ big family”.
