Vice Admiral Dimitrios E. Kataras GRC N, was born in Volos, Greece, on September 21st, 1965. He joined the Hellenic Naval Academy in 1983 and graduated in 1987 as Ensign of the Hellenic Navy.

His operational service includes assignments on board surface units, mainly on Frigates, as CIC, Communications/EW, Operations, Executive Officer and as Commanding Officer of PGB HS DOXA and FFGH HS SALAMIS.

His staff assignments include Frigates Squadron One Ops Officer, duty in the Comms / IT Directorate of HNGS, Head of the Warfare Officer Department, Personnel and Career Directorate (HRM) of HNGS, Deputy Director for Frigates Programs, Procurement Directorate, HNGS, Director of Personnel and Career Directorate (HRM) at HNGS, Director of the Operational Evaluations Directorate (OPEREVAL) at Fleet Command and DCoS Weapons, Electronics, Logistics Plans/Policy, Infrastructure (C’ Branch) at HNGS. Stationed abroad he served as Naval Attaché of Greece in Rome.

He has also served as Commander of Patrol Boats Squadron, Commander of Frigates Squadron Two (COMHELFRIGRON TWO), Commander of Frigates (COMHELFRIG) and Superintendent, Hellenic Naval Academy. Additionally, he has served as Deputy Commander in Chief of the Hellenic Fleet and as the Commander of Hellenic Navy Education / Training Command.

On 17^th January 2023 he was promoted to Vice Admiral and assumed the Command of the Hellenic Fleet.

On 12^th January 2024 he assumed the Command of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.

He is a graduate of the Hellenic Joint War College and the NATO Defense College (SC111).

He holds Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) and in Aeronautical Engineering (MSAE), both obtained by the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (Electrical Engineer).

He has been awarded with all the medals, decorations and commendations stipulated for an officer of his rank and seniority.

He has participated in Operations “SHARP GUARD” (OPSO HS ELLI) and “UNIFIL” (CO HS SALAMIS), and was OTC (COMHELFRIGRON TWO) of a successful Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) in 2014, during which 182 civilians were safely evacuated from Tripoli Libya.

He is married and has two sons.