Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis HN
Operational Commander EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
Hellenic Navy General Staff

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis HN was born in Germany in 1966. Entered the Hellenic Naval Academy in 1985 and graduated in 1989 as Ensign of the Hellenic Navy.

His operational service includes more than 18 years deployment at sea onboard Frigates and Fast Patrol Boats as Communication, Weapons, Operations, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer.

His command career includes Commanding Officer of Patrol Boat, HS PANAGOPOYLOS III, Torpedo boat HS TYFON, Torpedo Boats Squadron, FAC HS SIMITZOPOYLOS, FAC HS ROYSSEN (first CO, acceptance and full operational activation), 1st Squadron Fast Attack Crafts, Frigate HS HYDRA and Surveillance Vessels Command.

At his shore and staff assignments he served as Branch C Director (Weapons, Ammunition, military infrastructure) at the Hellenic Fleet Command,  Head of Naval Weapons Directorate at Salamis Naval Base, Maritime Operational Center Director at the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HNGS), Operations Director at HNGS and International Training Director at the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS).

As flag officer he was appointed as Executive Officer at the Naval Training Command, Commander of Naval Training Command and GRMARFOR Commander.

He is a graduate of the Hellenic Supreme Joint War College, and the Hellenic National Defense College. Completed, the UK Defence Academy’s Strategic Leadership Programme and the United States Navy Flag Level Combined Force Maritime Component Commander Course.

Ηe has been awarded with all the medals, decorations and commendations stipulated for his rank.

Participated in UNIFIL peace keeping operations under UN and in NATO led operation Active Endeavour (twice).

On 8 February 2024, by EU Council’s Decision, he was appointed EU Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.

He speaks English and German. He is married and has two children.