Salamis Naval Base The Salamis Naval Base or Naval Dock Salamis ( ) is the largest naval base in Greece . It is located in the northeastern part of Salamis Island ( Cape Arapis ) and in Amphiali and Skaramanga . It is close to the major population centres of Athens and Piraeus . Most Hellenic Navy ships are based at Salamis , as well as many of its administrative , training and support services . The Naval Base employs approximately 10 , 000 naval and civilian personnel . History . The first organized Greek Naval Base during the Greek War of Independence ( 1821 Revolution ) was founded on Hydra Island in 1827 and soon after was relocated to Poros . The facility remained in use as the main naval base of the Royal Hellenic Navy until 1881 is still used today for naval personnel training . Between January 1878 and April 1881 , certain activities were transferred from Poros to the Faneromeni Monastery ( ) and its surrounding area , on Salamis Island . On April 16 , 1881 , a Royal Decree directed that a new naval base would be built in Salamis , at a location then called " Arapi " , near " Akra ( Cape ) Arapis " . The Navy acquired an area of approximately 300 hectares . Most of the land was donated by the Municipality of Salamis , which saw the construction of the naval base as an opportunity for employment , real estate development and business profit . Construction of the new base began in 1881 and gradually naval activities were transferred to the new buildings from Poros and Faneromeni Monastery . One of the fist buildings was the church of Saint Nikolaos ( 1882 ) . The new Naval Base was used intensively during the Balkan Wars , the First World War and the Second World War . A suburban standard gauge light railway line ( Piraeus - Perama light railway ) opened in 1936 , connecting downtown Piraeus with Perama and terminating inside the Naval Base at Amphiali . The line remained in use until 1977 . During the Second World War the naval base was occupied by the Germans and used for naval activities , including submarine operations . The Germans retreated in 1944 , after causing extensive damage to the installations . In addition the sea channel was blocked by a number of naval ships sunk by the Luftwaffe in 1941 , including the decommissioned battleships " Lemnos " and " Kilkis " . Cleanup , salvage and reconstruction work began in November 1944 and the facilities were gradually restored to operational condition . Salamis Naval Base has been in continuous use by the Hellenic Navy ever since , while a second major naval base was constructed at Souda Bay . Structure and activities . Salamis Naval Base belongs to the " Hellenic Navy Logistics Command " . It consists of the Headquarters and the following services : The following commands of the Fleet Headquarters are also based within Salamis Naval Base : Other naval units in the base area include : In addition , the Forward Operating Naval Base of Syros is controlled by Salamis Naval Base . Relations with local communities . Salamis Naval Base has established close ties with the local community . The base is a major employer for the islanders and regularly subcontracts ship maintenance to local business establishments in Salamis , Perama , Keratsini and Drapetsona . In addition it provides the local community with health services ( the islanders were served by the naval hospital ) , vocational training for the young , and reinforcement to the national and municipal emergency services ( fire and ambulance ) .