PMA Honors Navy Chief

By: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Saturday, 27 March 2010

In observance of the military’s time-honored tradition of rendering Testimonial Parade and Review to its alumnus who has distinguished himself in the profession of arms and has rendered faithful and dedicated service, the Philippine Military Academy honors one of its outstanding alumni, Vice Admiral Ferdinand S Golez, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy on 27 March 2010 Saturday at the Academy’s hallowed grounds. The honors to be afforded to the Navy Chief is PMA’s fitting tribute to this seasoned sailor, adroit skipper, and excellent leader that earned for himself the esteemed admiration of the 20,000 strong sailors, marines, and civilian employees of the Philippine Navy.

A member of PMA Class of 1976, Admiral Golez assumed as the 30th Flag Officer In Command in August of 2008 and commenced his advocacies for naval prominence, strengthening of the Navy’s core competency, and leadership by example. These advocacies have revitalized the Navy’s performance of its traditional military role of defense and security, but has also made the Navy take an active role in its non-traditional role of peoples partner in nation-building.. With his sterling leadership, he paved the way to the acquisition of 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts inaugurated in May 2009 and deployed to the different operational areas of the country in July 2009 as the Navy’s contribution to the AFP’s ISO campaign.

Vice Admiral Golez entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1972 and graduated in 1976, ranked 19th in a field of 72, most of whom joined the Army and the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary. He was among the 11 cadets who joined the Navy. He formally started his professional career in the Philippine Navy as the Deck and Gunnery Officer of RPS South Cotabato (LT87), his first shipboard assignment in 1976. He earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea badge through his stint as the Commanding Officer of three different types of PN vessels namely: BRP Bagong Silang (PG 102), BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19) and BRP Quezon (PS70).

The Vice Admiral is not only a seasoned sailor who has successfully commanded three ships, but is a well-rounded military officer who held key posts in the fields of intelligence, operations, and education and training. He also served as Commander of two naval commands- Eastern Mindanao based in Davao City and Southern Luzon based in Legazpi, Albay. He also served as the commander of the Naval Intelligence and Security Force and concurrently as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence (N2).

His military education and training is complemented by the schooling and instruction he received from civilian training institutions here and abroad, an experience that honed his skills and talents. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, USA were he completed his Naval Command and Staff Course. Having served the military institution for 38 years, Vice Admiral Golez has received various awards and commendations.

In November 2009, the Republic of Indonesia conferred the Bintang Jalasena Utama (Indonesian Navy Star, 1st Class) to VADM Golez, an award conferred by the Indonesian President based on the proposal from the commandant of the Indonesian Navy. He was cited for his “invaluable services rendered in the improvement and strengthening of a good joint cooperation with the Government of Republic of Indonesia in general, and National Military Navy of both countries in particular.”

After the ceremony, the Navy Chief will preside over the inauguration of the Navy Laboratory, Navy wardroom, and the Fleet-Marine classrooms for the PMA cadets courtesy of the Philippine Navy command. The Navy laboratory is a mock-up replica of the main control room of a Philippine Navy vessel called “bridge”, purposely constructed and developed to give the Navy cadets the hands-on experience of what it will be like to be a real Sailor. This prototype bridge is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the Navy cadets to be abreast of the modern technology being utilized aboard ship. The Navy wardroom is also conceptualized to provide a space and the legroom for the Navy officers and cadets to interact and bond with their comrades, enjoy a sumptuous meal or a place to just sit back and relax. While the Fleet-Marine classroom is a first of its kind, specifically designed to provide the best spot to learn and interact with their fellow cadets and instructors. All of this endeavor and additions manifests the Navy leadership’s dedication to the needs of the cadets as the PMA continues to mold young minds and strengthen the character of the young to lead this country in the future.