By Francis Wakefield The Naval Forces Central formally welcomed its new Commander during the Change of Command Ceremony held at the Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, March 29, 2019. Naval Forces Central Commander Commodore Loumer P. Bernabe formally relinquished his post to Commodore Dorvin Jose L. Legaspi in a change of command ceremony that was. presided by the Acting Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Rommel Jude G. Ong who handed over the command’s flag, symbolizing the turnover of duties and responsibilities and giving him authority as the new commander of NAVFORCEN. In his speech, Ong gave recognition to Commodore Bernabe and his accomplishments in the PN when he was designated as commander of NFC for two years and six months. These include major events in the region such as the Sinulog, and activities in ensuring the security of the region’s maritime domain. Bernabe was also given the award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his meritorious and valuable services in a position of major responsibility by elevating the Visayas region’s efforts in addressing maritime security. Commodore Bernabe recently assumed as the Philippine Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff. The ceremony took place on March 1, 2019 at the Philippine Navy Headquarters, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Bernabe hails from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987. Aside from today's ceremony, Commodore Bernabe also celebrated his birthday. Commodore Legaspi is a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989 and is the former Deputy Commander of the AFP’s Western Command before assuming post as Commander, NFC. The Naval Forces Central is one of the Philippine Navy’s operating forces covering the Regions VI, VII and VIII of the Visayas Region. The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the military service that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commander to another. This also emulates the important ability of each naval officer to assume post to better serve the organization. The Philippine Navy is a dynamic organization that continuously enhances its efforts in creating a strong and credible organization, and an Armed Forces as a source of national pride. The Central Command through the Naval Forces Central will continue building strong partnerships to create a maritime environment suitable for our country’s economic growth, development and sustainment and ensuring the security of the maritime domain.