Navy Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ezpeleta assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Friday, replacing Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. who retired after 39 years in service.
Ezpeleta, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, is expected to serve as Navy flag officer in command until 2026 under the law.
Ezpeleta’s appointment is still required to be confirmed by the congressional Commission on Appointments, but no obstacles are expected to emerge since he went through the regular chain of command.
Ezpeleta was named Navy vice commander only in August, before succeeding to the Navy’s top post on Friday in a ceremony in Manila attended by President Marcos.
“Your predecessors are always difficult acts to follow,” the President said in his speech at the Navy headquarters in Manila.
“But given your competence, your experience and mental fortitude, I am confident you will continue to lead the Navy with integrity and surpass any challenges that you might confront,” the commander-in-chief told Ezpeleta.
Mr. Marcos also thanked Adaci for his “mild-mannered and calm” leadership of the Navy since 2022, and his commitment, leadership, and vision that “significantly strengthened our naval capabilities and enhanced our readiness to face rapidly evolving challenges.”
One of the most urgent challenges is the modernization of the country’s small navy of less than 40,000 personnel and only about 100 vessels.
Another top priority is the modernization of the fleet, which is expected to take delivery of more offshore patrol vessels and corvettes from allies.
In his inaugural speech, Ezpeleta said the Philippines has been “facing challenges unlike any that we have seen in the past,” citing the need for the “recalibration of our approach and operational tempo, embodying our transition from an inward-looking defense posture to an outward-facing one.”
The Navy, he said, would “continue to embrace and prepare for our increasing role in external defense operations” as the Philippines adopts the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. would “project our defensive capabilities to secure not only the land base of the Philippines but its exclusive economic zone and other areas where we have jurisdiction.”
He said he would remain committed to modernizing the country’s naval force through capability enhancement, continuous development of bases and facilities, as well as strengthening maritime domain awareness.
READ: Navy awaits new chief as Adaci ends tour
He acknowledged that there would be “rough seas that we may be sailing through in the future,” but he assured Filipinos of the Navy’s relentless commitment and our steadfast duty “to stay on course and remain full speed ahead, to act in concert to defend our national interests, protect our people and safeguard our waters.” —WITH A REPORT FROM JULIE M. AURELIO