The Deputy Minister of National Defense Mr. Nikolaos Hardaliasaccompanied by the Chief GEETHA General Konstantinos Floros, visited, today, Wednesday, August 10, 2022, the National Operations Center of the General Staff of National Defense (GEETHA/ETHKEPIX), where it was informed about the development of the broad search and rescue operation, which has been taking place since the early hours of the morning in the maritime area south of the island of Rhodes.

The Armed Forces participate in the operation with the Tanker IKARIA which went immediately to the area and has taken on the duties of “On Scene Commander” (OSC), with the Fast Guided Missile Patrol ROUSSEN, with three Helicopters (1 S-70, 1 Super Puma and 1 AB – 205) and 1 UAV HERON, while the frigate ADRIAS has been called and is approaching the area.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence, in the presence of both the Chief of Defense Forces and the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Vice-Admiral Ioannis Drymousis PN, congratulated the Center’s executives for the effective management and coordination of this incident and thanked them for the overall work they do with dedication and zeal every day for the safety of the country and its citizens.