It's rare in worldwide history to come across another battle ship that was linked for half a century to the history and fate of one nation. The armored battle cruiser “G. AVEROF”, along with the personality and patriotic moral of Admiral P. KOUNTOURIOTIS were unbreakably linked to the molding of historical events of national significance without ever experiencing defeat and disgrace.
       Even after World War II and the peaceful epilogue of its war activities, the soul of Uncle George continued to remain alive, ready for her last battle. In 1983 after several adventures the Hellenic Navy undertook the courageous decision of repairing “G. AVEROF” and declared the armored battle ship a national relic, source of historical recollection and teaching.
       The raising of money that the Hellenic Navy announced, in order to contribute to the expenses of restoring the ship, brought about exceptional results, proof of the powerful symbolism which the armored battle ship had secured for decades in the collective conscience of the Greek people.
       As a “ship in readiness”, the cruiser “G. AVEROF” stands imposing, a bright symbol of Greek seamanship and heroism. The last battle, the battle for the historical consolidation has been established for ever.