HMCII
ASDEN is a Major Command with responsibility for the Aegean Archipelago and the n. Crete, a vital area of geostrategic importance for our country, as it is the maritime crossroads of 3 continents, Europe, Asia and Africa and is connected to the sensitive geopolitical area of the Middle East.
The area of responsibility of ASWEN extends 330 nautical miles from north to south, from n. Lemnos to the coast from the coast of 330 km from Lemnos to the coast of the island of Lemnos. Gavdos and 290 nautical miles from East to West, from the islet of Strongyli to the West Coast of South Crete.
Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands
The emblem of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands The emblem of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands constitutes a representation of the Lion Gate in Mycenae. It symbolises the power and the unity of the Nation throughout its centuries-long history, as well as the required cooperation between the formations of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, as well as the other Services of the Armed Forces.
The epigram “Αμύνεσθαι περί Πάτρης” is part of the answer “Εις Οιωνός Άριστος Αμύνεσθαι περί Πάτρης” (the best omen is when one defends his homeland) given by Hector to the clairvoyant Polydamas, when he advised him to call off the attack against the Greeks, because the omens were unfavourable.
Our Mission
Deterrence against any form of threat or/and challenge or/and armed attack against its Area of Responsibility, through effective countering of intense situations, situations of crisis and the conduct, if deterrence fails, of the operations required each time, aiming to secure the territorial integrity and national independence of our homeland.
Characteristics
The geopolitical value and the particular characteristics of the operational environment of the Aegean, consequence of the presence of seas, the semi-mountainous terrain of the insular territories, their proximity to the coasts of Asia Minor and their relatively great distance from the country’s mainland, underline the criticality of the role played by the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands for our country’s defence.
Apart from its significant operating role, the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands proceeds, in the context of outreach with the islands’ local societies, to activities like:
- Works of infrastructures’ upgrade.
- Medical support of islets.
- Contribution to the prevention of Natural Disasters.
- Contribution to the countering of migration flows.
- Participation in local social, cultural, religious celebrations.