Former Wescom chief Alan Javier takes helm of Philippine Navy

ملخص مفصل

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Adm. Alan Javier, the former chief of the military’s Western Command (Wescom), formally assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Friday, succeeding…

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Adm. Alan Javier, the former chief of the military’s Western Command (Wescom), formally assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Friday, succeeding Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who retired after more than 35 years of military service.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over the change of command and retirement ceremony at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila on Nov. 13.

Before his appointment, Javier headed Wescom, which oversees military operations in Palawan and the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese vessels have repeatedly challenged Philippine maritime activities.

He also previously served as commander of the Western Naval Command, formerly known as Naval Forces West, and as chief of Naval Staff.

The Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed Javier’s appointment, citing his experience in naval operations and military leadership.

“Vice Admiral Javier brings with him the operational urgency and strategic direction needed to lead the Philippine Navy and sustain our naval operations,” Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Javier takes over the Navy as the Philippines continues to modernize its maritime forces and strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea amid persistent tensions with China.

Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its sweeping maritime claims.

The DND also thanked Ezpeleta for his more than 35 years of military service as he retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. /mr

مطلع المقال، مقتطف من Philippine Daily Inquirer. لقراءة المقال كاملًا، افتحه على موقع الناشر.