The practical “thank you” to the guards of the Archipelago – How thoughts of leaving the Navy turn into motivation to continue – The decisive moves of the GEN and the confidence of the prime minister.
Recognition, vindication, optimism and an additional motivation to continue the work they do. With these words we could describe the feelings prevailing among the Navy officials, who heard from the mouth of the Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis himself during his speech at TIF 2022, announcing the establishment of additional pay for the crews of warships who are on assignment.
The officers of our Navy confirm daily and in the field its reputation as one of the best in the world. With a Fleet that is clearly heading towards old age, they manage not only to face every Turkish challenge in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, but to participate in demanding allied missions, being dozens of days at sea.
The flag display is not only in the so-called “vital area” of our Navy, the Aegean. Throughout the Mediterranean our ships participate in allied operations and missions such as SNMG2, Operation IRINI and UNIFIL. It is characteristic that more than 20 surface units and submarines of the Fleet are permanently out of sea, while the example of a Greek frigate which took part in the IRINI operation for the arms embargo in Libya, remained at sea for more than four months is indicative. But even when they return to sea, the ships’ maintenance needs are such that they are required to remain inside for 24 hours in order to repair damage and make the ship fully ready for immediate departure.
How much does this function they perform in the Navy get paid? Essentially, it doesn’t get paid! The 17 euros that has been the “navigable” amount for executives since the 90s, could in no way be described as satisfactory, not to mention that it was insulting. The resignations of executives, even career officers, have long been a serious problem for the GEN, which in every way exerts pressure for practical recognition by the State of the work carried out in the Navy.
The Chief of General Staff, Vice-Admiral Stylianos Petrakis had informed the political leadership a long time ago about the need to establish additional pay for the crews of the warships on mission. So the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, did nothing more than to once again trust those who know better than anyone the needs of the crews. He announced the Fleet allowance from the TIF podium, causing optimism among the crews, who finally heard a real “thank you”. The Chief of General Staff, Vice-Admiral Stylianos Petrakis therefore has every reason to be satisfied. Not because the political leadership and the prime minister himself showed their trust again, but because the hard work of the crews was recognized.
Obviously, the sailing allowance will never make you rich, but it is a motivation and a powerful financial aid to keep the crews going with more passion, with more zeal, without second or third thoughts about leaving our Navy because the salary it is not commensurate with the work they perform. Because no matter how much you like a job, no matter how much you feel that you are providing services to the glorious Greek Fleet, no matter how much you love the country, when issues of livelihood are raised then it is a given that most people will look for alternative solutions. Therefore, the announcement of the sailing allowance is on the one hand a moral recognition of the servitude of Navy crews and on the other a substantial assistance.
Obviously, both our Air Force and Army personnel perform very serious and demanding work, however, there is a clear difference. The majority of them will return home in the evening, see and hug their loved ones. Instead, the crews of ships and submarines, instead of going home will simply go to their cramped cabin and instead of a real hug they will see and hear their families from the cold screens of mobile phones and tablets… and that, if there is a good signal .
