Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Rear Adm. Caesar Taccad took over the Philippine Navy’s reins on Monday afternoon (August 10) in a change of command ceremony led by President Benigno Aquino III at the Navy Headquarters on Roxas Boulevard by Manila Bay.
Taccad replaced Vice Admi. Jesus Millan — a fellow mistah from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982.
In his speech, the new Navy chief said that he aimed to pursue a decades-old goal that began during his days as a second class cadet in the PMA.
“I would like to help make it [Philippine Navy] as one of the most formidable forces in the Asia-Pacific region… That has been my goal in every position I landed.”
“Now, I am given the honor and privilege to serve and do more for our Navy,” he added.
Taccad offered praise for the the Navy’s troops: “To our sailors and marines, thank you for your work and sacrifices you have dedicated to the Navy and to the nation… I have fearless, courageous, and loyal men with me.”
More than that, however, he said that he will be honored to serve all members of the military branch, “whether you are a sailor a marine a reservist or a civilian in the Philippine Navy.”
Prior to the assuming his post, Taccad was the vice commander and head of the Navy modernization board.
He hinted that his plans to utilize such an experience: “I shall steer the Philippine Nnavy towards continued transformation and modernization… in order to provide the security that is expected by a strong and formidable Navy.”
“Our units, when deployed, shall never be hesitant to respond, but [rather] go into harms way, knowing fully well that their equipment, ships, and know-how will push them through to victory,” he said.
Taccad also plans to work with the country’s maritime partners and establish a “stable, productive, and constructive” relationship “to pursue peace in the Asia-Pacific.”
In his separate valedictory address, Millan expressed confidence in his successor. “I can vouch that the Navy sails to the next horizon.”
Millan also thanked President Aquino for giving him the chance to lead the Navy, especially since the retired vice admiral did not actually plan to be a sailor as a child.
In his speech, Millan admitted that he is “just a typical barrio boy from Pangasinan who dreamed to become a pilot while gazing at the formation of blew diamonds at [an] air base in Pampanga… If indeed luck means opportunity meeting competence, then perhaps it might have happened to me.”
“What matters most is not what I will be bringing with me when I leave, but what I will be leaving behind.”
