The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rendered a Skipper’s Farewell Cruise Ceremony for CG Rear Admiral Jose William U Isaga in honor of his efforts and accomplishments during his assignment aboard ship at Pier 13, Port Area, Manila on 02 October 2021.

CG Rear Admiral Isaga, who currently serves as the Commander of the Coast Guard District Central Visayas, will be retiring on 19 October 2021 after 37 years of public service.

He is the first retiring skipper to receive with the said tribute aboard BRP Corregidor (AE-891). This ceremony will now be part of the Coast Guard Surface Support Force (CGSSF)’s traditions for retiring skippers.

CG Rear Admiral Isaga commanded three PCG commissioned vessels: TB Habagat (TB-271) from 10 February to 18 December 2013; BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502) from 25 January to 08 August 2014; and BRP San Juan (SARV-5603) from 02 September 2014 to 14 April 2015.

After his assignment aboard ship, CG Rear Admiral Isaga led various major commands of the PCG.

In his speech, CG Rear Admiral expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the CGSSF who conceptualized the event. He also urged Coast Guard personnel who are currently serving aboard ship to maximize their learning opportunities so they could better enforce maritime safety and maritime security in the country's waters.

The Skippers Farewell Cruise Ceremony emphasized the participation of his oceanic majesty King Neptune as the Presiding Officer, graced by his wife, Queen Amphitrite, the King’s Herald, and Davy Jones played by the ship’s crew. 

The concept and characters were based on the ceremonial Equator-Crossing tradition for shellbacks.

The ceremony commenced when the command of BRP Corregidor (AE-891) was turned over by the incumbent Commanding Officer, CG Captain Rommel A Supangan to Rear Admiral Isaga. It was presided by CGSSF Commander, CG Rear Admiral Allan Victor T Dela Vega.

Thereafter, the honoree commanded and maneuvered the ship from Pier 13, Port Area, Manila to Manila Bay and back.

While on transit, CG Rear Admiral Isaga and his spouse, Mrs. Babe Celena B Isaga were summoned and presented before King Neptune for the ceremonial awarding of the “IMPERIVM NEPTVNI REGIS” certificate for his sterling accomplishments as a PCG skipper.

Afterwards, CG Rear Admiral Dela Vega led the ceremonial wine toast to cap the activity.