PROFILE: New Navy chief Alan Javier brings West PH Sea experience to top post

MANILA — With years of experience in naval operations, including command assignments in the West Philippine Sea, Vice Admiral Alan Javier has taken the helm of the Philippine Navy as its 42nd Flag-Officer-in-Command.

Javier formally assumed the post on Friday, succeeding Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, who retired after nearly 40 years of military service.

Before his appointment, Javier served as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (AFP WESCOM), overseeing military operations in the country’s western maritime frontier.

“Coming from the Western Command, I have seen firsthand the complexities of our maritime security environment and the strategic challenges confronting our country,” Javier said in his assumption speech.

“I understand that the demands of the Philippine Navy go beyond maintaining operational readiness. We are called upon to serve as a critical component of the AFP to protect our people and State, to secure sovereignty, and to preserve the integrity of our national territory,” he added.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, Javier was commissioned as an ensign in the Philippine Navy after graduating from the military academy.

He built much of his career as a surface warfare officer, commanding several Navy vessels, including BRP Apollo Tiano, BRP Bonny Serrano, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Rajah Humabon.

He also led naval task groups involved in maritime operations, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism missions.

Javier previously served as commander of Naval Forces West, where he oversaw sovereignty patrols and territorial defense operations in the West Philippine Sea under the AFP’s Territorial Plan “Kalasag.”

He also held key positions in the Navy, including commander of the Fleet Support Group, assistant chief of Naval Staff for Logistics, deputy commander for Fleet Operations at Naval Forces Western Mindanao, and Chief of Naval Staff.

He holds a master’s degree in Management Studies, specializing in Logistics Management, from the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. He also completed the Senior Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP).

As Navy chief, Javier identified four priorities: sustaining operational readiness; advancing naval modernization; investing in personnel development and welfare; and strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations and other government agencies.

“We recognize that our sailors, Marines, and civilian human resources are our greatest assets, and that providing them with proper training, equipment, and protection is just as important as acquiring modern naval platforms and systems,” he said.

The official vowed to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor as the Navy continues to strengthen its capabilities and advance the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

Javier is married to Daisy Javier, and they have two daughters, Athria and Aira.