French naval mission to Greece (1884–1890)

The 1884–1890 French naval mission to Greece was invited to the country by the government of Charilaos Trikoupis to reorganize the Royal Hellenic Navy,[1] in parallel to a military mission for the Hellenic Army.[2] The naval mission, headed by Rear Admiral Laurent Joseph Lejeune, arrived in Greece in December 1884, and remained in the country until 1890.[1]

French-style uniforms were introduced to the Royal Hellenic Navy by the French naval mission[1]

Among its major achievements were the establishment of a separate Naval Academy in 1884, administrative and legislative reforms, and the modernization in training and service regulations, including the establishments of a naval training centre at Poros Island and a naval hospital.[1] Under the influence of the French mission, the Greek government engaged in major arms purchases from France: the three new Hydra-class ironclads, as well as the older cruiser Navarchos Miaoulis.[1]