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Completed was the largest joint exercise involving Greece and the USA, featuring transport aircraft. This year, a distinctive aspect marked the event: for the first time, the aircraft conducted “dives” in the Vouraikos River gorge in Achaia, with exclusive photos released by enikos.gr on May 3rd.
By Christos Mazanitis
In mythology, Cerberus was a legendary beast with three dog heads and a serpent for a tail, serving as the vigilant guardian at the gates of Hades. While it allowed entry to those wishing to enter, it devoured anyone attempting to escape. According to legend, Hercules managed to capture Cerberus from Hades and present him to Eurystheus, marking his 12th labor and earning the gods’ forgiveness.
In a parallel to this myth, Greek and American Special Forces carried out the exercise “Stolen Cerberus,” from Saturday, April 26 to Thursday, May 8, 2025.
This annual exercise is part of military collaboration between Greece and the USA, conducted under the coordination of the “Shadows of the Aegean” from the Special Operations Command (ΔΕΠ) of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (ΓΕΕΘΑ), and is named “STOLEN CERBERUS XII.”
Participants from the Greek side included personnel and equipment from ΔΕΠ, the Underwater Demolition Command of the Navy, and the Airborne School of the Hellenic Army, along with transport aircraft from the Air Force. On the American side, personnel from the 37th Airlift Squadron (part of the 86th Airlift Wing) took part with three MC-130J aircraft.
The exercise took place in the broader regions of Attica, Peloponnese, and Skyros. Throughout, various operations were executed, including aerial cooperation tasks, supply drops, Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), as well as freefall and static line jumps, enhancing military cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.
One of the most striking moments occurred on Friday, May 2, when the massive C-130 transport planes performed low-altitude dives and passes through the Vouraikos Gorge in Achaia.
The 356 Tactical Transport Squadron launched its mission!
🎥credits: 356 MΤΜ#C130 #356MTM #haf #πολεμικηαεροπορια pic.twitter.com/FjyOM4dYEa
— Hellenic Air Force (@HAFspokesperson) May 3, 2025
We have often seen stunning photos capturing the impressive maneuvers of fighter jets, especially during the “Hercules” exercise, where pilots and machines are pushed to their limits.
However, on May 2, breathtaking low passes were made by Greek and American transport aircraft. These flights showcased the high proficiency of the Hellenic Air Force pilots. Watching the large, four-engine turboprop aircraft fly low and closely follow the terrain inside the gorge clearly demonstrates the need for nerves of steel and exceptional training.
The pilots from the Hellenic Air Force and the 356 Tactical Transport Squadron illustrated emphatically that their slogan “Anywhere, Anytime” is not just words, but a true reflection of their high capabilities.
Since 2013, the “STOLEN CERBERUS” series of exercises has been held annually, highlighting the enduring cooperation between Greece and the USA in Special Operations. “STOLEN CERBERUS-25” is part of the broader planning of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, aligned with the Host Nation Support provision of the Updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between Greece and the USA.
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