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On 10 October 2026, the Hellenic Navy celebrated the 45th anniversary of S-frigate HS Elli (F450). Built by the Royal Schelde shipyard in Vlissingen, Elli is a Standard-class frigate, which was originally intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy, but was sold to Greece during construction. She left Vlissingen for Greece in October 1981 and has remained in service for the Hellenic Navy ever since.
Text: Tom Scott
Anthimos "Makis" Vassiliadis.
Over the past 45 years, Elli has taken part in national and NATO exercises, operations and missions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea. For the people who built and sailed on her, however, the ship’s history is about more than dates and deployments. One of those people is Anthimos Vassiliadis, known to his friends and former shipmates as Makis. He was part of Elli’s original crew who sailed on her maiden voyage back in 1981. He served on board for seven years, first as second engineer and later as first engineer. Now, with the passing of Elli’s 45-year anniversary, we asked Makis about what he remembers most about those early days, the ship’s long service life, and the special bond shared by the original crew.
What does HS Elli represent for the Hellenic Navy?
“The commissioning of the frigate Elli was, and still is today, the greatest technological leap it has ever made. With the support of the entire crew and the assistance of the Schelde shipyard, delivery took place successfully in a very short time of eight months without any problems.”
HS Elli during an exercise with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) in 2023. Photo: DVIDS, U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins.
You were part of the ship’s first crew. Can you tell us something about the commissioning and training process?
“Because of their experience with other navies, some officers from the Royal Netherlands Navy thought that it would be impossible for us to be able to sail and fully operate the Elli in only eight months. Nevertheless, we were not only able to fully operate the ship with a new crew, but we also managed to pass the FOST [Fleet Operational Sea Training] within only a few weeks. The remarkably short time it took to successfully commission the ship reflects the spirit of the Hellenic Navy’s personnel.”
“The commissioning of the frigate Elli was, and still is today, the greatest technological leap it has ever made." Anthimos "Makis" Vassiliadis
When you look back at Elli’s 45 years of service, what do you think defines the ship’s legacy?
“Although 45 years have passed since we took delivery of our Elli, I am not surprised by the still very good rapport that the entire crew has together. This is thanks to our ongoing contacts, from our Captain, Commander Gr. Demestichas, down to the sailors. And it should be noted that many of the sailors on board were not permanent members of Hellenic Navy but were performing their military service. Because of this, we still consider the frigate Elli our home, and the crew as family.”
HS Elli moored quay side in Vlissingen during the official handover in 1981.
You spent seven years on Elli, including the first years after she left Vlissingen. When you think back to that time now, what memories still stand out?
“I am very lucky to have served on Elli for seven years; of course I would have liked to have more! My memories are further reinforced by our frequent interactions with the ship’s first receiving crew. The most moving moment was when the Greek flag was raised onboard. Also, when we departed from the Schelde shipyard, with almost the entire shipyard staff waving us off. Despite all the pressure and stress we felt to ensure the ship was properly delivered, and the weight on our shoulders to fulfil the mission entrusted to us by the Hellenic Navy – and above all by the Greek people – in the end, we consider ourselves lucky to have taken part in this mission.”
HS Elli is still in active service in the Hellenic Navy. What is your impression of the ship today, and what do you think explains her long operational life?
“We are very proud of the excellent condition in which our Elli is today, which is due to the spirit we instilled in subsequent crews, our Navy, and as well as to the overall quality of the ship.”