On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias, attended a scheduled operational training activity of the Submarines Command, in the wider region of the Central Aegean.
Initially, the Deputy Minister of National Defence participated in operational flotation with the Unconventional Warfare-Rapid Transport Vessel Mk-V AIOLOS, of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Command.
Next, he went to Submarine MATROZOS, where, during submergence, he observed torpedo fire exercise against surface target that simulated the Torpedo Sweeping Ship ARAHTHOS, in the context of “PERISCOPIO 19/22” scheduled exercise.
Mr. Hardalias was also briefed by the Captains on the operational capabilities of the Unconventional Warfare-Rapid Transport Vessel AIOLOS and of Submarine MATROZOS, and addressed the crews. He confirmed that the personnel are fully and highly trained, with excellent operational experience, which constitutes the most powerful force multiplier of the Armed Forces.
Upon conclusion of the Exercise, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias stated:
“Honouring the completion of 80 years since the activity of the Greek Submarines during WWII, I found myself here today with the outstanding, and highly experienced in operational matters, members of Submarine MATROZOS, and I shared with them something special, 100 meters below sea level, during “PERISCOPIO 19/22” exercise, which was completely successful!
The personnel are strong, absolutely ready, very efficient, with extremely high morale and faith in their mission!
Warm congratulations, we are proud for our people, the men and women of the Submarines Command, the Navy, our Armed Forces. They deserve and have gained absolute respect and trust by the Political and Military Leadership, and all Greeks as well”.
The Deputy Minister of National Defence was accompanied by the Chief of Fleet Vice Admiral Panagiotis Lymberis HN. The Commander of the Hellenic Submarines Command Captain Ioannis Stratogiannis HN and the Commander of the Underwater Demolition Command Captain Konstantinos Nassopoulos HN were also present, for the respective activities of their commands.
