The Salamis Naval Base is the largest naval base of the Hellenic Navy. It is located in the northeastern part of Salamis Island, Greece and in Amphiali and Skaramangas. It is close to the major population centre of Athens. Most Hellenic Navy ships are based at Salamis, as well as many of its administrative, training and support services. The base employs approximately 10,000 naval and civilian personnel.
History
The first organized Greek Naval Base during the Greek War of Independence was founded on Poros. The facility remained in use as the main naval base of the Royal Hellenic Navy until 1881 and is still used today for naval personnel training. Between January 1878 and April 1881, certain activities were transferred from Poros to the Faneromeni Monastery and its surrounding area, on Salamis Island. On April 16, 1881, a Royal Decree directed that a new naval base would be built in Salamis, at a location then called Arapi, near Akra Arapis. The Navy acquired an area of approximately 300 hectares. Most of the land was donated by the Municipality of Salamis, which saw the construction of the naval base as an opportunity for employment, real estate development and business profit. Construction of the new base began in 1881 and gradually naval activities were transferred to the new buildings from Poros and Faneromeni Monastery. One of the first buildings was the church of Saint Nikolaos. The new naval base was used intensively during the Balkan Wars, the First World War and the Second World War. A suburban standard gaugelight railway line opened in 1936, connecting Piraeus with Perama and terminating inside the naval base at Amphiali. The line remained in use until 1977. During the Second World War the naval base was occupied by the Germans and used for naval activities, including submarine operations. The Germans retreated in 1944, after causing extensive damage to the installations. In addition the sea channel was blocked by a number of naval ships sunk by the Luftwaffe in 1941, including the decommissioned battleships Lemnos and Kilkis. Cleanup, salvage and reconstruction work began in November 1944 and the facilities were gradually restored to operational condition. Salamis Naval Base has been in continuous use by the Hellenic Navy ever since, while a second major base was constructed at Souda Bay.
Structure and activities
Salamis Naval Base belongs to the Hellenic Navy Logistics Command. It consists of the Headquarters and the following services:
In addition, the Forward Operating Naval Base of Syros is controlled by Salamis Naval Base.
Relations with local communities
Salamis Naval Base has established close ties with the local community. The base is a major employer for the islanders and regularly subcontracts ship maintenance to local business establishments in Salamis, Perama, Keratsini and Drapetsona. In addition it provides the local community with health services, vocational training for the young, and reinforcement to the national and municipal emergency services.
