Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, accompanied by Captain Chapell Whyms, Commander Operations, and Commander Derrick Ferguson, Staff Intelligence Officer, participated in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Industry and the International Special Operations Forces Conferences held in Tampa Florida from 16 to 20 May 2022. The conferences were hosted by the National Defence Industrial Association and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).This was the first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than eighty countries attended and about fifteen thousand (15,000) industry operators were present. The theme of the conference was “Campaigning with Partners for Integrated Defence”. Special focus was on the resilience and innovation of a strong industry base, the reliance of both international and commercial partners to find solutions to the Special Operating Force’s most critical problems, and an understanding that technology that provided success in the past may not guarantee success in the future.The conference brought together Special Operations Forces leaders worldwide to address threats and strategic trends through round table discussions. The role of Special Operations Forces in integrated defense, maintenance of freedom of oceans, and the Small States SOF in great power competition and allied perspective were the primary concentration topics.The roundtable discussions were led by Special Operations Forces Commanders with the objectives of sharing the United States perspective and understanding of what integrated deterrence means for existing and future operations. Opportunities to reinforce existing international partnerships to develop and advance new international partnerships as well as enhance commitment to international SOF partnerships and increase collaboration, alignment, and common objectives were also in the discussion. The engagements serve to significantly enhance the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s effectiveness and efficiency in the accomplishment of its missions.Integrated deterrence and international partnerships build a framework that will permit the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to acquire the desired military capabilities and expanded capacities needed to counter transnational criminal threats in a dynamic security environment. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to strengthening ties with regional partners while Guarding Our Heritage.
