The Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis observed the Armed Forces’ operational activities, on Thursday 13 June 2019, aboard the “RHODES” landing ship, in the context of the “KATAIGIS 2019” exercise, taking place in the wider area of Samos.

“KATAIGIS” is a large-scale annual exercise of the Hellenic Navy, conducted with the participation of personnel and units of the Army and the Air Force.

The Minister of National Defence was accompanied by the Chief of HNDGS General Christos Christodoulou, the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis and the Fleet Commander in Chief Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis.

The statement made by the Minister of National Defence can be read below:

“From the landing shore of Samos, we observed today the phase of landing action for the island’s preliminary support, in the context of the “KATAIGIS” exercise which concludes tomorrow. It has been conducted for the past week, throughout the Greek territory and especially at the area of the Eastern Aegean.

This landing action is a part of the exercise which demonstrates jointness to the greatest degree, since it requires highly coordinated actions. It is one of the most difficult operations, comprising first-rate cooperation and coordination among the three Services of the Armed Forces.

This exercise included various subjects. It gave the opportunity to the engaged personnel to receive training on all these subjects, achieving exceptional results. I wish to congratulate the exercise’s organisers and instructors on their successful effort and results which, as can be concluded, are the best possible.

The Armed Forces prove once more that they are capable, ever-present and they guarantee the security and integrity of Greece.

Thank you very much”.