At the presence of the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, the Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos officially named the new Submarine of the Hellenic Navy “PIPINOS”.
The launching and naming ceremony of the submarine was held at the premises of the Hellenic Shipyards, in Skaramagkas.
The ceremony was officiated by His Beautitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Hieronymos.
It was also attended by the Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection Vasilis Kikilias, the Minister of Shipping and the Aegean Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, MPs, representatives of parties, representatives of local authorities, personalities of the shipbuilding industry, foreign Defence Attaches and employees of the Hellenic Shipyards.
After the end of the ceremony, Mr. Avramopoulos said:
“Today, with this highly symbolic launching ceremony which is held according to our Navy’s traditions, the submarine “PIPINOS” is integrated in the Hellenic Fleet, whereas the submarine “OKEANOS” will follow quite soon and then, always according to the time schedule we have set and announced to the Hellenic Parliament, two more submarines, “MATROZOS” and “KATSONIS” will follow.”
[mappress] Press Release, October 14, 2014; Image: avramopoulos.gr