The Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attended today, Thursday 13 November 2025, as representative of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the oath-taking ceremony of the graduates of the Nursing Officers Academy, held at the premises of the Academy. The swords were presented to the new Officers by the Deputy Minister, at the ceremony officiated by his Grace the Metropolitan of Kaisariani, Viron and Ymittos Daniil.

Major General Georgios Andriotis as representative of the Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Director of the Athens Naval Hospital Commodore Ioannis Stavrianopoulos as representative of the Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras HN, the Director of the Nursing Service at the 251 General Hospital of Athens Brigadier General Athena Karydakis, as representative of the Chief/HAFGS Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, the Director of the Medical Directorate of HAFGS Brigadier General Ioannis Kapiris, the Commandant of the Academy Brigadier General Maria Giannopoulou, representatives of political parties, Security Forces, active duty and retired Officers, as well as relatives of the new Officers, were also present at the ceremony.

Following the completion of the oath-taking ceremony, Mr. Davakis stated the following:

“Today is a day dedicated to the new Officers of the Nursing Officers Academy who, after taking the oath and receiving their swords, complete an important cycle of education, military training and scientific knowledge. From this day, they assume a dual role: that of an Officer of the Armed Forces, but also that of a healthcare professional who serves the people.

The sword they are awarded is more than a symbol of honour and military duty. It bears the value of contribution, care and self-denial. The women and men of the Nursing Officers Academy have proved that strength and sympathy may coexist, when the goal is to protect life, to support the combatant, the ill, the person.

The State will keep on supporting their task, enhancing the structures of their education and service, and recognising in practice their contribution.

I warmly congratulate them for their effort, diligence and devotion. I wish them all to serve with morals, prudence and humanity.

I wish you the best in your career, be strong and may you always succeed.”