On Thursday 16 January 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr Giannis Kefalogiannis attended the handover ceremony of the 1st Army/EU-OHQ Command duties, by Lieutenant General Dimokritos Konstantakos to Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, held at “General Nikolaos Plastiras” Camp in Larissa.
The ceremony, officiated by the Reverend Metropolitan of Larissa and Tyrnavos Ieronymos, was attended by Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief of the Tactical Air Force Headquarters Lieutenant General Panagiotis Georgakopoulos, the Commander of C Army Corps Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis and the Commander of D Army Corps Panagiotis Kavidopoulos.
The ceremony was also attended by the MP of Larissa Christos Kapetanos, Honorary Chiefs, Senior and Junior Officers of the Armed and Security Forces, as well as delegations of members of the three Services of the Armed Forces and the Associations of Retired and Reserve Officers, and Representatives of the Local Self-government.
During the award of a commemorative gift to the outgoing 1st Army/EU-OHQ Commander, Mr Kefalogiannis stated:
“The handover ceremony of the Command is a crowning moment for every military unit that marks the continuation of the mission, respecting the principles of consistency, responsibility and readiness.
Firstly, I would like to thank the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant General Dimokritos Konstantakos, for his devotion, ethos and the consistent guidance that he provided during his term of duty. Under his leadership, the formation responded successfully to the challenges, defending the high ideals of the Armed Forces and assuring the readiness and consistency of the personnel. Thank you on behalf of the State for your valuable contribution.
At the same time, I welcome with trust and optimism the new Commander, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos. I am certain that with your knowledge, experience and the sense of duty, you will continue to lead the formation with determination, reinforcing its operational capability and safeguarding the high level of the personnel and assets.
Here, in the 1st Army, where history, mission and the future of our Country combine, your role is decisive. In times during which geopolitical challenges require continuous vigilance and cooperation, your mission is of great importance. The State will continue supporting your efforts, caring for the constant reinforcement of the Armed Forces.
On this occasion, I express my full appreciation to all its members and personnel for their professionalism, sacrifice and devotion. The Country is grateful.
The obligation of the political leadership is to care for all of the personnel’s needs, apart of course from the provision of the necessary equipment and assets for the operation of the Armed Forces. On this matter, as the Minister Mr Dendias has stressed, a great reform is in development, an effort that includes, among other things, the New Structure of Forces and the armaments that will soon be presented in the Hellenic Parliament.
Continue your work successfully, be strong and we wish all the best to the new Commander”.
