Commander Defence Force

Commodore Raymond E. King, a veteran of 37 years in Royal Bahamas Defence Force enlisted on 12 January 1987 as a member of New Entry 19. Commodore King was granted an appointment as a Midshipman, completed his officer training at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, England in 1990 and received his commission in 1992. King’s most recent appointments included Port Controller as the Admiralty Marshal for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas prior to his appointment as Commander Defence Force on 15 April 2020.

Throughout his career; Commodore King has held numerous sea-going appointments onboard the Bahama, Protector, and Dauntless Class Vessels as Commanding, Executive, Operations, and Navigation Officer including shore-based appointments service-wide within Defence Headquarters, Administrative, Logistics and the Operational Branches.

Additionally, Commodore King has participated in many international courses and maintains fellowships with the Inter-American Defence College, United States Defence Institute of International Legal Studies, Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies, Navy Supply Corps School, United States Naval War College and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore. .

Academically, Commodore King has attained a Doctor of Education Degree, Masters of Business Administration Degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree and an Associate of Science Degree. Additionally, Commodore King is a Co-author of two Conference Accepted Research Papers and the author of the Dissertation Research which examined the scientific “Effect of Organizational Agility on Transnational Crime in Jamaica” in 2015.

Similarly, Commodore King is the recipient of several medals and commendations which includes the 18^th year Long Service & Good Conduct Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal, Jubilee Platinum Medal and the Order of Distinction (Companion) Medal. Additionally, Commodore King has been awarded his 25th and 30^th year Rosettes, and Letters of Commendation from the Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in 2011 and 2015.

Commodore Raymond King has also served nationally as a member of the National Disaster Committee; National Anti-Drug Secretariat; National Boundary Delimitation Commission; Chairman of the Defence Commission Board; Fisheries Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Docks Committee.

Commodore King has been recognized for his lifetime charitable efforts and contributions namely the Star Contribution Award from the Ephesus Seventh Day Pathfinder Club, Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club of The Bahamas, Special Achievement Advocacy Individual of the Year Icon Award from the Disability Affairs Division, Department of Social Services and Urban Development; Exemplary and Dedicated Service from the C. C. Sweeting 50th Anniversary Alumni Association, Men of Impact Award for Long and Dedicated Service to Law Enforcement from Living Waters Kingdom Ministry, and  the International Men’s Day Award for leadership, extraordinary dedication and service to The Bahamas.

Commodore Raymond King has been married to the former Fredricka Sharmaine Clarke, Retired Force Chief Petty Officer for the past 31 years; the father of two sons and seven lovely grandchildren.  An avid sports enthusiast, he also enjoys traveling and reading.  King’s personal mission is to share his knowledge and experience in mentoring others whereby society collectively benefits.