The EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is a military European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis. The operation will contribute to maritime security along the main sea lines of communication in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, in cooperation with other major actors.

The EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mandate is to:

• Accompany vessels in the Area of Operation.
• Ensure maritime situational awareness in the Area of Operation.
• Protect vessels against multi-domain attacks at sea, in full respect of international law, including the principles of necessity and proportionally, in a sub-area of the Area of Operation.

EUNAVFOR OPERATION ASPIDES will act in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2272, which demands Houthis to cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels and notes the right of to defend vessels against such attacks, in line with international law and will not conduct any strikes on land.

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:

• a. Patrol Boat, HS PANAGOPOYLOS III,
• b. Torpedo boat, HS TYFON,
• c. Torpedo Boats Squadron
• d. FAC, HS SIMITZOPOYLOS ,
• e. FAC, HS ROYSSEN (first CO, acceptance and full operational activation),
• f. 1st Squadron Fast Attack Crafts
• g. Frigate, HS HYDRA,
• h. Surveillance Vessels Command.
• At his shore and staff assignments he served as:
• a. Branch C Director (Weapons, ammunition, military infrastructure) at the Hellenic Fleet Command,
• b. Head of Naval Weapons Directorate at Salamis Naval Base,
• c. Maritime Operational Center Director at the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HNGS),
• d. Operations Director at HNGS,
• e. International Training Director at the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS).

As flag officer he was appointed as:

• a. Executive Officer at the Naval Training Command,
• b. Commander of Naval Training Command.
• c. 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’s Flag Level Combined Force Maritime Component Commander Course.

He 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.

On 2 March 2024 he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

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

The EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Area of Operations – AOO, according with its mandate, comprise the Baab al-Mandab Straits and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.