ZAMBOANGA
CITY - Mayor Beng Climaco has thanked outgoing Naval Forces Western
Mindanao (NavForWeM) command Chief Rear Admiral Isabelo H. Gador for a job well
done as she also welcomed to Zamboanga City the latter’s successor, Rear
Admiral Jesus C. Millan.
Mayor Climaco had a chance to meet and exchange
pleasantries with the two navy officers together with the Philippine Navy’s
Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano during a reception at
the Navy Officers Club after the change of command ceremonies yesterday
morning.
In his speech, Rear Admiral Gador described his
eight-month stint at NavForWeM command as a challenge that he together with the
sailors and the marines had passed with flying colors.
“Together, we sailed smoothly even during tumultuous
times. And I am proud to have worked side by side with focused teams of sailors
and marines,” Gador said, stressing that serving the command for him was more
than a privilege. “It was an honor as well.”
He acknowledged his successor, Rear Admiral Millan,
as a visionary leader and a veteran in the naval field of operations, having
been assigned at NavForWeM as deputy commander three years ago.
For his part, Millan vowed to continue the good
programs that his predecessor had started, and committed himself to addressing
the challenges, and finding out which one is relevant to the success of the
command’s operations.
He likewise vowed to enhance the capability of his
personnel in maritime operations in synergy with other units of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) in
particular.
“We will do some enhancements, and in the spirit of
Bayanihan, we believe we can do more,” Rear Admiral Millan pointed out in
addressing the naval sailors and marines. (Vic Larato-CIO)