The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey, accompanied by Executive Staff Officer Captain Henry Daxon and Senior Aide-de-Camp, Acting Lieutenant Commander Dominique Rigby, travelled to the United Kingdom for his first official visit to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, 18-22 December. The occasion for the visit was to attend the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions where His Majesty King Charles III presided, inspected the cadets, presented prizes, and gave the keynote speech, celebrating the new generation of naval leaders.
Four of our young officers were among a total of 191 embarking on their naval careers. Midshipmen Shekino Capron, Davin Adderley, Benjamin Russell, and Judah Brown successfully completed the 30-week comprehensive program that prepares Officers through various disciplines: leadership, seamanship, ship technology, navigation, strategic studies, tactics, and physical fitness among others.
Commander Defence Force and his delegation were met by UK Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Brewster, who escorted them to BRNC where they received a comprehensive tour of the College, guided by Bahamian Midshipmen undergoing training.
Following the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions, Commodore Moxey attended an official reception, where he briefly engaged with His Majesty King Charles III. During their exchange, His Majesty expressed pleasure at The Bahamas’ continued matriculation at the BRNC training programme and conveyed interest in an official visit to The Bahamas. The Commander Defence Force also met with Captain A.J. Bray, Commanding Officer of BRNC, and other senior college officials. The visit underscored the continued support of the United Kingdom and Royal Navy toward the professional development of Bahamian naval officers.
Upon his return to The Bahamas, Commander Defence Force Commodore Moxey officially welcomed the Young Officers at Defence Headquarters. He congratulated them on the successful completion of their training and highlighted the significance, stating that their graduation represents both a professional milestone and a commitment to uphold the highest standards of leadership. He reminded them that as Officers, they are now observed closely by subordinates, peers, and superiors, and must lead with integrity, competence, and professionalism. Additionally, he presented each Officer with a copy of the book Naval Leadership: Voices of Experience by Karel Montor, to continue their reading and learning about leadership.
The Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Natasha Miller, also offered congratulations and emphasized the importance of understanding their transition from Marine to Officer, noting that Officers are held to elevated standards of accountability and conduct. Reflecting personally, the Deputy Commander shared of her training at BRNC more than three decades ago and expressed pride in witnessing a new generation of Bahamian Officers continue the legacy of excellence.
The Young Officers described their experience as challenging, transformative, and deeply rewarding. They confirmed that the Course is a ‘demanding, all-encompassing introduction to life as a naval officer, blending academic learning with hands-on maritime and military skills for future leaders’. They shared that the programme demanded significant physical conditioning, mental resilience, and adaptation to new military concepts, while also tested their emotional strength as they navigated the separation from home and family.
RBDF Chaplain Apostle Raymond Wells offered a prayer, and encouraged the Officers to lead with purpose, integrity, and humility as they assume their new responsibilities.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force under Commodore Moxey’s leadership, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we congratulate these Officers on their successful completion of the Royal Navy Young Officer Course and look forward to their contributions towards the mission and mandate of the RBDF in service to the nation.
