The Philippine Navy (PN) activated the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) as a regular combat support command in a ceremony presided by PN Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado on Wednesday, August 17 at the NAVSOCOM headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Following the reading of the activation order, the Navy Chief ceremoniously unfurled its new command symbol as witnessed by its then incumbent commander, Captain Dwight Steven Dulnoan. This formalized the regularization of the NAVSOCOM which Vice Admiral Bordado regarded as “a crucial part of that larger goal [of the Philippine Navy] to become a modern and multi-capable naval defense force”.
Also held during the ceremony was the change of command rites for the unit’s ‘Bullfrog’ – a naval special warfare term for a commander.
After ensuring the fulfillment of a historic milestone for NAVSOCOM, Captain Dulnoan relinquished his post he held for three years to Commodore Alfonspin Tumanda Jr., the concurrent commander of the Naval Combat Engineer Brigade, and a former Bullfrog himself when this command was still the Naval Special Operations Group.
The Navy Chief in his remarks hailed the outgoing bullfrog who “was responsible for leading NAVSOCOM during the Command’s crucial transition period” which “requires a lot of patience, not only because circumstances are complex, but also because setting new goal posts for a newly regularized Command can be quite an exhausting and complicated process”.
Vice Admiral Bordado further vouched for the incoming commander whose “multitude of duties, not only within the purview of Naval Special Warfare, but also in budget, fiscal, finance, and logistics. . . have also prepared him for this significant role” as he maneuvers the direction of this newly regularized Command.
“I want to thank NAVSOCOM for your competence in what you do. These accomplishments were solid reflections of NAVSOCOM personnel’s untiring professionalism and flexibility during the most volatile and highly critical or specialized contexts”, the Navy Chief concluded.
NAVSOCOM covers all facets of unconventional warfare in all waters, using unconventional methods such as demolition, intelligence and underwater operations, among others, in support of the accomplishment of the Philippine Navy mission. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
