The Bahamas National Unmanned Systems (BAHNUS) Academy recently completed the first 021 training initiative, which was spearheaded by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in conjunction with representatives from Swift Tactical Systems to certify participants as 021 aircraft operators. The 021 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone with a 30-mile range endurance and 90 minutes of flight time on a single take off. The 021 was acquired to fill the roles of mid-range coastal patrols, (ISR) Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance support for Law Enforcement Operations and Maritime Domain Awareness through deployment from out-islands and Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels. The rigorous training curriculum was held for a three (3) month period which covered subject areas such as principles of flight, basic weather, radio and navigation, UAV model specific training along with a series of simulating and live flight instruction.During the ceremony held on Friday 11 November, 2022 onboard HMBS Coral Harbour, a total of seven (7) Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines and one (1) Bahamas Department of Immigration Officer were awarded for their achievement in completing the training. Captain Carlon Bethell, director of the Ministry of National Security (MONS) BAHNUS program commended the female students, Able Woman Marines Quisheda McKenzie and Nyesha Ferguson for becoming the nation’s first MONS drone pilots. Additionally, Mr. Anwah Deleveaux (Immigration Officer) was the recipient for the Most Outstanding Student Award.RBDF photos by Marine Seaman Rickey Sealey
