PN Headquarters, Roxas Boulevard, City of Manila
19 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the change of command and retirement ceremony of outgoing Navy Chief Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama as he steps down from the office at the age of 56. Pama will be replaced by AFP Central Command Chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano as the new Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy. A member of PMA Class of 1979, Alano also served the Naval Forces of Northern Luzon, Naval Air Group and Commander of the Philippine Fleet.

In his speech, President Aquino lauded the accomplishments of Vice Admiral Pama in the implementation of Navy Strategic Plan 2020 and his full support to the Navy Foundation wherein more than one million pesos was raised and used for their education and health programs.

President Aquino also praised the Navy’s dedication in protecting our coastal territories and for displaying an act of gallantry by dedicating their lives to save others during times of crisis.

“Dahil sa inyong mahigit tatlong daang disaster response operations, tinatayang aabot sa dalawampu’t anim na libong katao ang inyong nailigtas mula sa tiyak na kapahamakang dulot ng mga bagyong humagupit sa atin. Maliban sa paglikas sa kanila tungo sa mas ligtas na lugar, lampas 1,120 tonelada ng ayuda rin ang inyong naihatid upang mapunan ang gutom at mapatid ang uhaw ng mga Pilipinong umaasa sa kalinga,” the Commander in Chief said.

The President was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff General Jesse Dellosa, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, officers and members of the Philippine Navy.

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