On Thursday 5 June 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attended the oath taking ceremony of B Enlistment Series 2025 Seamen Recruits, at Poros Training Centre.
He was welcomed by the Commander of the Naval Training Command Rear Admiral Spyridon Tsiafoutis HN and the Commander of “POROS” Training Centre Captain Pavlos Koufalis HN.
Upon conclusion of the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated in his address:
“We stand today on the island of Poros, a historic place, a sacred place for our Navy and the whole country, feeling very moved and honoured. Poros is not just a geographical spot. Even from the first days of the 1821 Greek Revolution it was projected as a cradle of seamanship and freedom.
Here, at the canal’s safe waters and bays, the first war vessels of the Greek Navy that was under formation found shelter, maintenance and re-supply. Poros, due to its strategic position, soon became the first war Naval Base of the new Hellenic State.
After the Liberation, in 1830, with the formation of the independent Kingdom of Greece, Poros continues to be the headquarters of the first Naval Base of the Hellenic Fleet. Poros Naval Base has been the foundation on which our Navy was built. The shipyards, the depots, the maintenance facilities and the re-supply stations were the first organised base which met the needs of the national naval defence.
Over the decades, and especially during the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, Poros remained a Training and specialization Centre of the members of the Navy.
In Poros, the School of Young Seamen – the forerunner of the Naval NCO School – training young men in the duties of the seaman profession and inspiring them the spirit of naval virtue, was established and operated. Specifically, the Navy NCO School, with various names “School of Young Seamen”, «School of Navy NCO Cadets” and «Naval NCO School» remained at Poros until August of 1991, when it was transferred to Skaramangas, completing 112 years of continuous operation.
During the wars of our Nation, from the Balkan Wars until WWII, Poros provided valuable services as a place of organisation, maintenance and promotion of our war units. Its calm waters hid movements, prepared fleets and sheltered hopes.
Today, Poros remains an integral part of our naval tradition. It continues to teach and train generations of volunteers and conscript seamen, adjusting the training always to the requirements of each time. Here, in the serenity of this place, our young seamen are taught the first and most valuable lessons of duty, discipline and faith to the Country.
Children of the Hellenic Navy,
You stand today on soil soaked in the sweat and the efforts of generations of Greek seamen who served before you. The tradition you are keeping is not just a historic memory – it is a live chain of duty, connecting the past to the future of the Nation.
Poros, with its important naval heritage, calls you to be worthy of your predecessors. To serve with faith, valour and devotion to the values that for centuries have made the Navy a pillar of our Country’s freedom and independence.
Let the example set by those who were trained and served here be a beacon for your path. Let us always remember that respect to history is the first step towards responsibility for the future.
Long Live the Hellenic Navy!
Long Live the Nation!”.
