The Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos visited the frigate HS PSARA a few hours before it set sail from the ship deck of Salamina, to participate in “ΑΤΑLΑΝΤΑ” operation. The Minister of National Defence was accompanied by the Chief of HNGS, Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis.
In the short statement he addressed to the frigate’s crew, Mr. Avramopoulos stated:
“Before the ship sets sail, I came to wish you all a nice trip, good luck to your mission and a safe return home.
After quite a long while, Greece participates again in the ATALANTA programme. Its purpose is very specific; first of all, to participate in a European mission. We must not forget that at this period our country presides over the European Union and it is quite reasonable for us to be there.
Moreover, this is also related to the humanitarian aid and – let’s not forget about this – to the protection of our national financial interests in the name of our world shipping community which is so important for our country and its economy.
It is also, however, a necessary, at this time, presence of our country in vulnerable regions of our planet.
Although Greece may be going through difficult times, the fiscal situation may have tested us and it may still be testing us, we must, above all, maintain our country’s high battle-worthiness, courage, pride and reputation.
And this is a mission that the Hellenic Armed Forces fully accomplish.
Today, in this simple, symbolic and modest ceremony, I would like, on behalf of the Greek state, to wish you all to sail on calm waters for the next three months.
I wish you to be healthy, to feel that you left behind your parents, your families that will be waiting for you, as well as the Greek state that embraces you with confidence, love and with our wishes of a safe mission and a safe return home.”
During the next quarter, the HS PSARA will participate in the Naval Force of the European Union which has deployed in the wider sea area of Somalia to combat piracy.
The Hellenic Navy participated in “ATALANTA” operation, which is the first naval EU operation in the context of the European Security and Defence Policy, by contributing assets and personnel, since it was firstly launched in 2008 (at the same time assuming also the Command of the Force) until 2012 and it has been contributing staff personnel to the Headquarters and to the sailing commander ever since.