Commodore Dorvin Jose Legaspi delivers his message during the Change of Command Ceremony./ Contributed Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines– Naval Forces Central formally welcomed its new Commander during the Change of Command held in the morning of March 29, 2019.
Naval Forces Central Commander Commodore Loumer P Bernabe AFP formally relinquished his post to Commodore Dorvin Jose L Legaspi AFP in a ceremony held at the Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City. This was presided by the Acting Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Rommel Jude G Ong AFP, who handed over the command’s flag, symbolizing the turnover of duties and responsibilities and giving him authority as the new commander of NAVFORCEN.
In his speech, Rear Admiral Ong gave recognition to Commodore Bernabe and his accomplishments in the PN when he was designated as commander of NFC for two years and six months. These included the Sinulog celebration and activities that ensured the security of the region’s maritime domain. He was also given the award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his meritorious and valuable service by elevating the Visayas region’s efforts in addressing maritime security.
The turnover of the command’s symbol presided by Rear Admiral Rommel Jude G Ong AFP, the Acting Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy. /Contributed Photo
Commodore Bernabe recently assumed as the Philippine Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff. The ceremony took place on March 1, 2019 at the Headquarters, Philippine Navy, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. He also celebrated his birthday on the same day.
Bernabe hails from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
Commodore Legaspi is a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989 and is the former Deputy Commander of the AFP’s Western Command before assuming post as Commander, NFC.
The Naval Forces Central is one of the Philippine Navy’s operating forces covering the Regions VI, VII and VIII of the Visayas Region.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the military service that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commander to another. This also emulates the important ability of each naval officer to assume post to better serve the organization./dcb