Special Forces Command
The Hellenic Navy Naval Special Warfare Command (HN NSWC), widely known as DYK (Underwater Demolitions Command), represents one of the most elite special operations formations within the Hellenic Armed Forces. Operating primarily in the maritime domain, the command is responsible for conducting high-risk special operations in support of national defense, maritime security, and allied missions within NATO and international coalitions.
Crest
The crest of the Hellenic Navy Naval Special Warfare Command symbolizes the core capabilities of the Greek frogmen.
It combines three distinctive elements:
- A shark, representing aggressive underwater capability and dominance in maritime special operations.
- A British Admiralty-style naval anchor, symbolizing the command’s integration within the Hellenic Navy.
- Parachutist wings, highlighting the unit’s airborne insertion capability.
The emblem is set against an Aegean and navy-blue background, representing the maritime environment in which the unit operates. At the top appears the acronym Δ.Υ.Κ., standing for Underwater Demolitions Command.
History
The origins of the Hellenic Navy’s Underwater Demolition Command date back to Greece’s entry into NATO during the Cold War.
In 1957, the Hellenic Navy sent a group of officers and non-commissioned officers to the United States to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, aiming to develop a specialized force capable of conducting pre-landing reconnaissance and demolition operations in support of amphibious missions.
Upon their return to Greece, the Underwater Demolition School was established at the Kanellopoulos Training Center, following the same training pipeline as the American BUD/S program.
In 1958, the unit was reorganized as the Underwater Demolition Teams Command (D/OYK), headquartered at Skaramangas Naval Base, where the unit’s facilities remain today.
One year later, in 1959, the formation was renamed the Underwater Demolition Unit (MYK). This designation remained in place until 2002, when the unit was elevated to an Operational Command (DYK) under the Hellenic Navy Fleet Headquarters.
Due to the demanding and specialized nature of its mission, the command was among the first Hellenic Navy formations staffed exclusively by professional personnel.
Today, DYK constitutes the primary Naval Special Warfare command of the Hellenic Armed Forces, capable of executing complex maritime special operations in support of national and allied objectives.
Mission
The Hellenic Navy Naval Special Warfare Command (HN NSWC) is tasked with planning and executing the full spectrum of maritime special operations.
Operating primarily in support of the Hellenic Navy and NATO, the command can deploy independently or in close coordination with naval task groups and joint special operations forces.
Its mission includes conducting specialized maritime operations that safeguard national sovereignty, ensure maritime security, and contribute to regional stability.
Operational Tasks
The Naval Special Warfare Command is capable of conducting the full spectrum of special operations, including:
- Special Reconnaissance (SR)
- Direct Action (DA)
- Military Assistance (MA)
In addition, the command can conduct:
- Unconventional Warfare
- Personnel Recovery
- Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
- Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO/VBSS)
- Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO)
These missions are conducted as part of broader maritime operations supporting the Maritime Component Command.
Command Structure
The Naval Special Warfare Command operates under the Hellenic Navy Fleet Headquarters, directly subordinate to the Commander-in-Chief of the Hellenic Navy.
Two key organizational elements support the command:
BYK (Combat Service Support Unit)
Provides logistics, medical support, and personnel services required to sustain operational deployments.
SYK (Training Department)
Responsible for conducting the Hellenic Navy BUD/S training pipeline, as well as advanced qualification training for operational personnel.
In addition, SYK provides specialized training for personnel from across the Hellenic Armed Forces, including:
- SCUBA diving
- lifesaving and rescue training
- first aid and medical response
- martial arts and close combat skills
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
A significant capability of the command involves Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations.
These include:
- Search and clearance of Very Shallow Water (VSW) areas
• Support of Mine Countermeasure (MCM) operations
• Preparation of coastal targets for special operations raids
During peacetime, EOD teams are responsible for the disposal of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in maritime environments, including blue, green, and brown waters.
During crisis or conflict, these teams counter and neutralize operational threats while working alongside Greek special operations units.
Subordinates Commands
HELNAVSFCOM Supporting Base
Basic Underwater Demolitions School
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