The theme of the event was “NAVSOCOM @67: Leading Innovations, Sustaining Excellence, Forging a Legacy.”
Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, VADM TORIBIO D ADACI JR PN, and the NAVSOCOM Commander, COMMO DWIGHT STEVEN M DULNOAN PN received the President after a sideboys honor was rendered to him, which was followed by a guestbook signing, before escorting him for the Capability Demonstration prior to the program proper.
During the event, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. watched a capability demonstration that showcased NAVSOCOM’s various capabilities as well as the Navy SEAL’s proficiency in special warfare operations like counter-terrorism and demolition raids employing both sea and land domains in mission execution, which he praised.
The President presided over the awarding ceremony that recognized NAVSOCOM’s exemplary military personnel for their excellent performance and significant contribution as members of the Navy’s elite force. In his remarks, he recognizes the efforts of the special operations operators of the Philippine Navy, which have demonstrated heroism and bravery over the years, and have played key roles in special operations that promote national security.
The President assured that his administration remains firm in its commitment to strengthen NAVSOCOM’s capability via acquisitions under the revised AFP modernization program.
“Malaki po ang papel na ginagampanan ng inyong institusyon sa pagsulong ng bagong Pilipinas sa ating panahon ngayon. Inaasahan ko ang inyong patuloy na pakikilahok at suporta sa adhikaing ito, muli binabati ko ang NAVSOCOM sa pagdiriwang ng ika animnapu’t pitong anibersaryo. Mabuhay kayong lahat, Mabuhay ang NAVSOCOM, Mabuhay ang Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Pres Marcos said in his closing speech.
NAVSOCOM has specialized in sea, air, and land operations since 1956, and has been instrumental in a variety of counter-terrorism operations, demolition, reconnaissance, close combat, intelligence, and undersea operations. NAVSOCOM was modeled after the United States Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT). Members of the highly specialized NAVSOCOM unit were called “frogmen” because of their ability to operate in water in adverse conditions at inconvenient times. Since then, the NAVSOCOM unit has evolved into what is now known as the elite Philippine Navy SEALS.
Looking ahead, NAVSOCOM remains committed to defending the country against terrorism, insurgency, and other national security threats. The Philippine Navy’s modernization efforts contribute to NAVSOCOM’s competitive edge in dealing with modern-day threats and ensuring long-term advocacy for national security.