By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Amid the backdrop of an ongoing modernization into a more capable, multi-domain naval force, the Philippine Navy (PN) marks a new chapter as it undergoes a leadership change.
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the change of command and retirement ceremony for Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrioso Ezpeleta at the Navy Headquarters on Friday.
Taking over the reins from VAdm. Ezepeleta is Vice Admiral Alan Javier, who has formally assumed his post as the 42nd Flag Officer-in-Command of the 25,000-strong institution.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. began by honoring the enduring legacy of the Navy, with generations of Filipino sailors and marines standing among the guardians of the archipelago.
He went on to outline the various accomplishments of VAdm. Ezpeleta under his tenure as the Navy chief, which include the following:
- Philippine Navy Cyber Laboratory and Security Operations Center
- Naval Monitoring Station in Panggungan, Tawi-Tawi
- Leadership of 19 bilateral and 14 multilateral maritime cooperative activities
- Participation in 16 bilateral and 22 multilateral exercises, including Exercise Balikatan and the Multinational Exercise Cobra Gold
- Philippine Navy Integrated Personnel Support Fair
The President expounded, “Under his leadership, the Navy expanded its external defense operations, strengthened its presence in the West Philippine Sea, and intensified maritime security efforts.”
At this juncture, President Marcos Jr. hailed the appointment of VAdm. Javier as he went from being a cadet in 1988 to a Captain, Commodore, Rear Admiral, and Vice Admiral, rising up the ranks until he assumed the top seat in the institution.
He cited VAdm. Javier’s 38 years of military service and extensive experience in logistics as noteworthy strengths that he can use to great effect in his leadership of the Philippine Navy.
The Chief Executive expressed trust in the new Navy chief, “I am confident that your experience will serve you well in ensuring that this growing fleet remains capable, well supported, and ready to fulfill its mission.” (with report from Patrick de Jesus | PTV News)
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