At the Naval Group shipyards in Lorient, France, the first FDI HN “Belh@rra” F–601 HS Kimon frigate was delivered to Greece. Yesterday marked the beginning of a new generation of major surface combatants for the Hellenic Navy, while also representing the culmination of many years of effort.

The Greek flag-raising ceremony took place at the Naval Group shipyard pier, where HS Kimon had completed a demanding cycle of construction and trials. With the raising of the Greek flag at the stern and the ensign indicating that the ship has a captain, the frigate was formally handed over to the Hellenic Navy.

The captain of the first FDI HN “Belh@rra” F–601 HS Kimon is Commander Ioannis Kizanis. He is an experienced naval officer. In fact, he was the head of his class at the Hellenic Navy School of Trials, from which he graduated in 2000, and he hails from Athens.

In his early years, he served on major surface ships and later took command of Fast Patrol Vessels in the Hellenic Navy.

At yesterday’s ceremony, he was the last to board the first FDI HN “Belh@rra” F–601 HS Kimon, as tradition dictates: the youngest boards first, and the most senior—the captain—boards last.