The Hellenic Navy has released a video of the first Greek Belh@rra frigate, “Kimon”, which departed a few days ago from the Naval Group facilities in the city of Lorient, France, and is currently sailing toward the Salamis Naval Base.

In the images, the frigate is seen sailing in the Mediterranean, where it rendezvoused with the Greek fleet frigate “Aigaion”, which is assigned to the European Union’s “Irini” mission.

The first communication exercise took place between the two Greek units, which are also expected to operate together at sea in the near future during naval drills and exercises.

Watch the video

Tomorrow morning, the frigate “Kimon” will pass by Aegina, where the state and political leadership will arrive by helicopter to see it up close.

The Chief of the Hellenic Navy, Vice Admiral Dimitrios–Eleftherios Kataras, sent the first naval signal to the frigate, stating that as the ship sails toward Salamis, it will receive a ceremonial welcome in the Saronic Gulf by a flotilla of six Hellenic Navy vessels, consisting of frigates, gunboats, and missile boats. Along with them, the legendary armored cruiser “Averof” and the trireme “Olympias” will also sail out to welcome her and, depending on weather and other conditions, are planned to escort the frigate all the way to the entrance of the naval base.

The choice of “Averof” and “Olympias” to escort the frigate “Kimon” during its ceremonial entry into the naval base is far from coincidental. The three vessels share a common feature: from the “wooden walls” of antiquity, to the “seitan papor” (the legendary nickname of Averof), and to the fully armed Belh@rra, the reverse bow—common to all three types of ships—has been historically associated with Greek naval power and represents an aesthetic link between ancient seamanship, the aura of the legendary “Averof,” and modern technology. The great power of the seas.

“With national pride, we welcome you today to Greek waters. Your arrival marks a new era of naval power for the Hellenic Navy. From your bow, we gaze upon the nation’s ambition for security, progress, and prosperity. I express my absolute satisfaction to the crew for the outstanding performance and high professionalism demonstrated both during the flawless acceptance process and throughout the demanding return voyage. You sail as worthy successors of our glorious naval heritage. The imposing reverse bow of the frigate ‘Kimon’ will soon meet the ram of the Athenian Trireme and the armored cruiser ‘Averof,’ composing the modern ‘wooden walls’ of our homeland. I call upon you to continue your voyage with unwavering momentum, to look upon the Greek seas with the gaze of a victor and rightful guardian, honoring the ‘Great Power of the Sea,’ with Saint Nicholas always at your bow. Welcome,” stated the Chief of the Hellenic Navy in his message.