On Monday, 11 March 2024, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias visited Frigate “Hydra”, which is deployed in the Gulf of Aden, in the context of European Operation ASPIDES, accompanied by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios Eleftherios Kataras HN.
Mr Dendias was briefed by the Captain of Frigate “Hydra”, Commander Christos Drougos on her mission.
Addressing Frigate “Hydra’s” crew, Mr. Dendias stated:
“A few weeks ago, I had the joy and honour of coming to Salamis and addressing you before departure. I told you then that I would visit you in the Red Sea.
I am here today, first, to see the conditions under which you operate, and to repeat that we are very proud of what you are doing. I have already expressed my congratulations to the Captain.
I repeat that I am well aware that the country has sent you to a danger zone. Yet, I ought to tell you, that you are here to protect our interests, our national interests, which serve the Hellenic Republic, our country, and Greek Society.
I would also like to tell you, that it has been a great source of pride to me to see the Greek flag flying on the mast of the “Hydra” in the Gulf of Aden.
I would like to wish you success, good luck and all the best. Congratulations, Captain, always stay whole and hale.
Thank you.”