CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. PA, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), became an honorary member of the Philippine Navy's elite special operations forces after completing the Philippine Navy SEAL rites on Monday, August 19 at the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite.
General Brawner participated in several exercises traditionally associated with Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUDS) training. It included rigorous warm-up exercises, boat paddling, swimming, one-mile run, and firing of a .45 caliber pistol and a sniper rifle.
NAVSOCOM, known for its role in unconventional warfare, conducts operations involving demolition, intelligence, and underwater tasks, primarily focusing on counter-terrorism efforts.
Following the rites, General Brawner attended the Joint Graduation Ceremony for SEAL Qualification Training Class 26, Basic Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course Class 21, and Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course Class 03. Commodore Dwight Steven M. Dulnoan PN, Commander of NAVSOCOM, and Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta PN, Acting Flag Officer in Command and Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy, were also present.
General Brawner commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience, emphasizing their embodiment of the Navy SEALs' spirit and commitment to excellence.
"You have faced challenges that tested your limits and you have emerged as elite warriors ready to serve our nation. You embody the spirit of the Navy SEALs, courageous, disciplined, and committed to excellence and we have seen this countless times in action and in combat operations," he said.///
Photo: SSg Ambay/PAOAFP
