Upon his assumption as the 30th Flag Officer In Command of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Ferdinand Solis Golez, has enunciated four key points from which his programs would emanate. These are: to continue the initiatives of his predecessors such as the PN Strategic Sail Plan and Pro-Flag Campaign; focus on the Navy’s core competencies namely the ships, marines, and support units; empower the Navy’s manpower through training and technological advancement; and to lead by example.
Such guidance stems from the strength of his caliber as an expert in a diverse spectrum of fields — in intelligence and strategic planning, as well as in organizational and operational management. His competence in command and leadership has been well-polished in his various assignments aboardship and ashore. These assignments were complemented by the education and training he received here and abroad.
Vice Admiral Golez entered the Philippine Military Academy as a cadet in 1972, after graduating from the Lyceum of the Philippines, Manila. He graduated from PMA in 1976 ranked nineteenth (19th) out of seventy-one (71) graduates.
His first shipboard assignment was with BRP Cebu. He completed his junior billets aboard different types of vessels and finally completed his tour aboardship in 1995 after having commanded three different types of PN vessels – PG 102, PS 19 and PS 70. His achievements in his Command at Sea were highlighted when he was awarded the coveted Command-At-Sea Badge for sea-going officers.
These assignments proved as an essential training ground for Vice Admiral Golez who later held key posts in the Navy, such as: Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence, N2 and Commander, Naval Intelligence and Security Force, Asst Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, N3 from 2003 to 2004, Deputy Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in 2004, Commander Patrol Force from 2004 to 2005, Commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon from 2005 to 2006, Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao from 2006 to 2007, and Commander of Naval Education and Training Command before he was appointed to the Navy’s topmost position.
In preparation for responsibilities in the higher commands, Vice Admiral Golez took up the Naval Command Course in 2002 at the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA. He finished his Royal Australian Naval Staff Course (RANSC) aboard HMAS Penguin at Royal Australian Navy Staff College, New South Whales, Australia in 1997. He graduated in Operations Research System Analysis Course at Army Logistics Management College Fort Lee, USA in 1992. Likewise, he took up his PsyOps Course at the US Army John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center, USA in 1983. He also graduated in Special Ranger Operations Course at Home Defense Group, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija in 1976.
Vice Admiral Golez is a highly decorated military officer. His awards include the Distinguished Service Star Medal, Distinguished Navy Cross, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Long Service Medal, Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals, a Command at Sea Badge and Plaque and a Presidential Unit Citation Badge, and various campaign medals and citations.
Vice Admiral Golez, who hails from Quezon City, is married to the former Shirley Mamaril and they are blessed with a daughter, Kristine and two sons, Raymund and Jerome. |
