The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, accompanied by the Chief HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis and the Chief HAGS Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, went to “Captain (Arti) Delaportas Spyridon” Military Airport in Pachi – Megara, where he visited the 2nd Army Aviation Group.
The Minister of National Defence has been briefed on the operational organization and the mission of the 2nd Army Aviation Group units, as well as on the work that they carry out with regard to EMS aeromedical evacuations.
Mr. Dendias established the operational readiness and congratulated the Command, the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, as well as the entire personnel for their contribution to the society in supporting the work of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in the field of aeromedical evacuations.
Moreover, the Minister of National Defence had the opportunity to attend the demonstration of Chinook and NH-90 helicopter capabilities, while he had a conversation with the aircrew, the technical and administrative staff.
Then, he visited the CH-47 Chinook Intermediate Maintenance hangar, where he was informed about the capabilities of the maintenance system.
The visit was also attended by the Director of Hellenic Army General Staff Army Aviation, Major General Ioannis Cheimarios.
Mr. Dendias in his address stated the following:
“Chief HNDGS, Chief HAGS,
It is a great honour for me to be here today, at the 2nd Army Aviation Group in Pachi, Megara.
A group that ensures the safe aeromedical evacuation of patients from every corner of the Greek territory 24 hours a day.
It is you that you assist the National Health System in the most effective way. In other words, to be clear, it is you that you stand next to Greek people in need of being transferred to save their life, where required, under any circumstances whatsoever. Zealously and boldly.
I saw your emblem: “Fortune favours the Bold” “Audentes fortuna iuvat”
You incarnate something particularly important for our Country’s Armed Forces. The sense of connection to the society, to the protection of human life throughout the territory.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for that on behalf of the Government, but also on behalf of the entire Greek society.
I would also like to note that within the framework of Greece’s “Agenda 2030” programme on the upgrading of the capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces, we proceed – as you are very well aware of – with the procurement of new Black Hawk helicopters that will upgrade your capabilities and will help Greek people.
The statistics are really impressive. In this year alone, in 2024, you have carried out 922 missions, while transferred 1.345 patients and 14 special transplants.
It is a measurable and an immense contribution to Greek men and women. An invaluable contribution.
I should like to warmly congratulate you on this. Once again, let me say how much the society appreciates what you are doing, what you are offering to people’s routine and sense of security, especially in parts of the territory that are not easily accessible. And I am referring to the Aegean islands, the islands of the Archipelago and not only that. There, your work and contribution becomes even more evident.
I would like to thank you warmly once again for your contribution to the society”.
