ADJ
THE Philippine Navy (PN) has received a new chief, with Vice Admiral Alan Javier taking over as the service’s 42nd Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) from VAdm Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta who retires.
In a ceremony attended by President President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, VAdm Javier officially took command of the Navy from VAdm Ezpeleta. Prior to his ascension, VAdm Javier served as Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command, bringing extensive experience in naval operations, logistics and maritime defence and previously commanded a number of warships including BRP Apollo Tiano, BRP Bonny Serrano, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Rajah Humabon.
Addressing the ceremony, he said: “I understand that the demands of the Philippine Navy go beyond maintaining operational readiness. We are called upon to serve as a critical component of the armed forces to protect our people and state, to secure sovereignty and to preserve the integrity of our national territory.” He added that the service would focus on four priorities: sustaining operational readiness, advancing naval modernisation, investing in personnel development and welfare, followed by strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations and other government agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony, the president urged him to deepen partnerships with allies and friends while ensuring that the country’s sovereign rights are protected. The Commander-in-Chief also recognised VAdm Ezpeleta for his nearly 40 years of military service, citing his contributions to strengthening the Navy’s maritime defence capabilities, modernising its fleet, and advancing the welfare of its personnel. He also thanked the vice admiral for leading the Navy during a critical period when the country faced increasingly complex maritime security challenges and growing demands to protect its sovereign rights and national interests.
Under VAdm Ezpeleta’s leadership, the Philippine Navy expanded its external defence operations, strengthened its presence in the West Philippine Sea, and intensified maritime security efforts in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). President Marcos also recognised the Navy’s continuing modernisation efforts, including investments in naval and marine capabilities and the development of critical infrastructure, technology and systems to improve operational readiness. Projects such as the PN Cyber Laboratory, Security Operations Center and the Naval Monitoring Station Panggungan in Tawi-Tawi.
The President also highlighted the Navy’s strengthened defence cooperation with other countries, citing the conduct of 19 bilateral and 14 multilateral maritime cooperative activities, as well as its participation in 16 bilateral and 22 multilateral military drills. Among those were Exercise Balikatan and the multinational Exercise Cobra Gold.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:PH DND)
