The opportunity to see up close the National Guard’s “IOANNIDIS” Open-Sea Coastal Patrol Vessel and the "NIKIFOROS FOKAS" of the Hellenic Navy, was offered today to members of the public who visited them at the port of Larnaca, where the two vessels were docked as part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
According to an announcement by the General Staff of the National Guard, public viewing hours were set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
READ ALSO: “Eagles” in the Cypriot sky: Greek F-16 Vipers flew over the parade (VIDEO)
The open-sea vessel “IOANNIDIS” was built at shipyards in Israel between 2015 and 2017 on behalf of the National Guard and belongs to the SAAR 4.5 class of offshore patrol vessels.
In January 2018, the ship arrived in Larnaca and then at the “Evangelos Florakis” Naval Base to bolster Cyprus’s naval capabilities.
READ ALSO: Cyprus’ “Iron Dome” in the parade: The BARAK MX on public display for the first time (VIDEO)
The frigate “NIKIFOROS FOKAS,” hull number F-466, is the tenth Standard-class frigate delivered to the Hellenic Navy. It was built in a Dutch shipyard in 1980. The Greek flag was raised on the ship in 2004, and the ship arrived in Greece in March 2005. The frigate has a crew of 175.
During the reception of guests aboard the frigate, an officer of the Hellenic Navy noted that the presence of the frigate “NIKIFOROS FOKAS” in the port of Larnaca serves as a reminder of the deep ties between Cyprus and Greece.
He noted that the frigate “has extended a shield of protection over Cyprus” and wished the country “many happy returns.”
