Flag Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy
Vice Admiral Jose Aa Ambrosio Quiatchon Ezpeleta PN took the helm as the 41st Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy on 15 November 2024.
Before assuming the topmost command of the Philippine Navy, VADM Ezpeleta served as the Vice Commander from August to November 2024, following his tenure as the Chief of Naval staff from August 2022 to August 2024 at headquarters Philippine Navy. He also occupied the following key positions: Commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Deputy Commander of the Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, and Deputy Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
A proud graduate of the Philippine military academy “SAMBISIG” class of 1991, VADM Ezpeleta also completed various education and training courses here and abroad. Locally, he finished his Naval Command and Staff course at the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in 2002 and the AFP Command and General Staff Course at the AFP Command and General Staff College in 2012. He holds a master’s degree in public administration, majoring in development and security, from the Development Academy of the Philippines. His foreign courses include the International Surface Warfare course at the Naval War College and the Rule of Law and Disciplined Operations course at the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies, both in Rhode Island, USA, as well as the U.S. Navy’s Flag Level Combined Force Maritime Component Commander course in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
VADM Ezpeleta specializes in surface warfare, human resource (personnel management), and education, training, and doctrines administration. His shore duties include his assignment as the Superintendent of the Naval Officers Schools Center and the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel, N1. As a surface warfare officer, he successfully commanded major naval vessels, including BRP QUEZON (PS70), BRP MIGUEL MALVAR (PS19), BRP NICOLAS MAHUSAY (PG116), and BRP BAGOBO (AT293). He also led Naval Task Group 71 and Naval Task Force Seahawk under Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
VADM Ezpeleta was born on March 8, 1968, in Cotabato City. He is a well-respected Seadog, a motorbike enthusiast, an audiophile, and a hobbyist. He is happily married to Marie Venus P. Ezpeleta, and they are blessed with two wonderful sons, Jeffrey Joseph and Alexiz Joseph.
Indo-Pacific Allies and Partners
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PT