New Navy chief assumes post

Rear Admiral Jesus Millan FILE PHOTO

CAVITE, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III gathered the Philippine Navy’s top brass Wednesday at the Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point here for the changing of the guard that saw Rear Admiral Jesus Millan take over the stewardship of the Navy.

Millan would replace Vice Admiral Alano as the Philippine Navy’s Flag Officer in Command.

Before the appointment, Millan, who is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1982, was the Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

Alano would reach the mandatory retiring age of 56 on Thursday.

Aboard the BRP Emilio Jacinto, Aquino, Alano, and General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, arrived together at Sangley Point from the Naval headquarters in Manila Bay.

Before the turnover of the reins, Aquino awarded Alano for his service for the country with the Filipino Legion of Honor Medal.

“I hereby relinquish command of the Philippine Navy today,” said Alano as he proceeded to turn to the ocean and receive a fleet farewell salute.

“I hereby assume as Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy today,” Millan said, drawing claps from his peers and fellow Naval men.

Alano then passed the Philippine Navy flag to Millan as a symbol of the change in command.

After the pinning of his badge, Millan got his personal flag raised to usher in his reign as Navy Chief then received the welcome salute to symbolize his position.

RELATED STORY

Navy to welcome its new chief