Naval Jack of Kingdom of Greece (1935–1970) Sticker

The Hellenic Navy (HN; Greek: Πολεμικό Ναυτικό, romanized: Polemikó Naftikó, lit. 'War Navy', abbreviated ΠΝ) is the naval force of Greece, part of the Hellenic Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy historically hails from the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence. The Hellenic Navy formed during the Hellenic Period ruled by monarchy (1833–1924 and 1936–1973) that has been recognized as the Royal Hellenic Navy (Βασιλικόν Ναυτικόν, Vasilikón Naftikón, abbreviated ΒΝ). The Hellenic Navy is a Green-water navy. The total displacement of the fleet is approximately 150,000 tons. The HN also operates a number of naval aviation units. The motto of the Hellenic Navy is "Μέγα τὸ τῆς θαλάσσης κράτος" from Thucydides' account of Pericles' oration on the eve of the Peloponnesian War. This has been translated as "The rule of the sea is a great matter". The Hellenic Navy's emblem consists of an anchor in front of a crossed Christian cross and trident, with the cross symbolizing Greek Orthodoxy, and the trident symbolizing Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Pericles' words are written across the top of the emblem. "The Navy, as it represents a necessary weapon for Greece, should only be created for war and aim to victory." — Greek Government (1866)