Visit of the OHIM leader to the DPA

From Monday 19th until Friday, May 23, the Chief of the General Staff (OHIM), Vice -Commander (I) Demosthenes Grigoriadis, paid a visit to the United States of America.

The visit began with a meeting at the Greek Embassy in Washington, where the Chief of General Staff had the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Catherine Nasika, as well as with the Armed Forces officials serving in the military delegation.

As part of his stay, he held meetings with the President and Managing Director of the American Hellenic Institute, Nikos Larigakis, as well as with Mike and Andrew Manato, with whom he discussed issues of Greek -American defense cooperation and further enhancement of the bonds.

Meeting with American OHIM Chief

At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff went to the Pentagon of the United States, where he met with US Air Force Chief David Allvin. During the meeting, issues of common interest were discussed, with particular emphasis on further enhancement and upgrading of bilateral defense cooperation, mainly in the areas of business capabilities and education.

The US leader expressed his assessment of the Greek side’s help at the Larissa Air Base, stressing the importance of this cooperation to ensure regional security. In addition, there was an intention to further expand co -operation, by providing education by the American side to Greek Air Force executives, as well as the strengthening of technical and operational support.

Update on the course of the F-35 program

As part of his activities, the Chief of General Staff visited the facilities of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was informed in detail about the F-35 program and guided the production lines of the fighter aircraft.

Particular emphasis was placed on the presentation of the overall support framework for the program, with an emphasis on training systems and the preparation of the executives involved. In addition, he received extensive information on training processes related to both the flyers and the technical staff who will support the operation and maintenance of the F-35, with the aim of ensuring a high level of operational availability. He also had successive meetings with representatives of the competent US authorities, the administration of the F-35 program and Lockheed Martin.

Subsequently, the leader went to the 188th Wing of Air National Guard in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he was thoroughly informed of the mission and activities of the unit. Fort Smith is scheduled for the training of Greek executives in the F-35. He then had meetings with high -ranking officials of the competent Air Education Administration, as well as with the administration of the Unit and the Moros, from which he received information on training programs.

Finally, he had a meeting with the mayor of the area and the local authorities, who provide support and welcoming reception to foreign soldiers serving in their community.