FROM COVERT SEA COMBAT TO CORPORATE COMMAND

A secret, hastily organised naval mission to Cyprus in 1964 ends in armed conflict, fails, costs lives, and remains classified for 52 whole years. This is the memoir of the commander of this ill-fated mission, a young Hellenic Navy officer in his 20’s then, named captain of the patrol boat PHAETHON, which fought a heroic battle against the Turkish Air Force. The author, now one-handed and sworn to silence, embarks on a new, second life and career. He studies at the Polytechnic University of Athens, adapts to the different realities of the business world, and struggles against the prejudices and pity of those around him, but primarily against himself and the guilt over the loss of his friends and fellow sailors.

In 2016, the State finally lifts the secrecy-far too late for the relatives of the six Greeks and the one Cypriot volunteer who lost their lives, but also for those surviving, all long forgotten by the leadership. Centering on naval history, the only naval battle between Greece and Turkey in the last 100 years, Dimitris Mitsatsos narrates his personal journey, revealing unknown aspects of historical events. He speaks of ideals, values, and human moments, of people he met and places he traveled to during his turbulent life, providing us with a valuable historical and human testimony. With an insightful gaze, sensitivity, and courage, he delivers a message of strength and character in the continuous struggle against adversity and the misfortunes imposed by the Greek state, as well as a message of resilience in the face of tragic moments, when every aspect of life is abruptly overturned.