On Thursday, 15 November 2018, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff Vice Admiral Christos Christodoulou, visited the Hellenic Tactical Air Force HQ, in the city of Larissa. The Deputy Minister of National Defence was informed on the activities of the Hellenic Tactical Air Force and of the National Air Operations Center.

Afterwards, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff Alkiviadis Stefanis, visited the Hellenic 1st Army Headquarters. She attended a briefing of the Hellenic 1st Army staff and visited the Hellenic European Union Operational Headquarters. Mrs Maria Kollia-Tsaroucha also visited Larissa Nursery School and 404 Army General Hospital in Larissa and she was informed on the hospital’s issues.

During her visit, the Deputy Minister of National Defence confirmed the high professionalism and the excellent training of the Armed Forces’ personnel, who serve in Larissa.

Address of the Deputy Minister of National Defence in the Hellenic Tactical Air Force Headquarters:

“Our sovereign rights are exercised by the example of your experience, ethos, courage, training and professionalism, whilst you leave your prints on the ground and in the air.

On our behalf, as a State, we acknowledge and honor your contribution and we are struggling to better support your military needs and requirements, with regard to fulfilling your work.

A work that assures the country’s air defence and secures the operations, by supporting the other Armed Forces’ services. To you, who work and fight day and night, in the air and on the ground, I have nothing more to say, in my capacity as Deputy Minister, but a big Thank you, on behalf of all Greeks.”

Address of the Deputy Minister of National Defence to the 1st Army:

“For many years, before undertaking the duties of the Deputy Minister of National Defence, I was aware of your work, as well as of the big and severe problems that you faced in performing your duties, due to the financial crisis. I am aware of your everyday struggle to keep our Army’s pillars of power steady. We are struggling not only to reinforce our military power, but to provide for personnel as well, for example, we provide the Officers Quarters, the hospital infrastructures, the nursery schools and we provide for your families’ welfare in general. Continue with the same zeal, by improving professionally and contributing to the Armed Forces, honouring the flags of the Formations and our Nation.”