Defence Headquarters, 4 May 26 (RBDF): Ms. Bridget Hepburn, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, led a delegation from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to visit Damen Shipyards in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, on 21 April, 2026, to advance discussions on the repair and restoration of several RBDF vessels. The delegation included Commodore Floyd P. Moxey Commander Defence Force; Commander Gordon Roberts, Engineering Branch Commander; Commander Dominique Rigby, Base Engineering Officer; Force Chief Petty Officer Marcello Charlow, Chief of Security; and Commander Warren Bain, Technical Consultant in the Ministry of National Security.
The visit is a follow-up on the December 2025, first phase of strategic plans to restore the RBDF Fleet by returning three vessels to Damen Shipyards for repairs: HMBS Arthur Dion Hanna, HMBS Rolly Gray, HMBS Cascarilla, as well as plans to send HMBS Lawrence Major to Cotecmar Shipyard in Cartagena, Colombia for her ten-year docking, repair, and crane replacement.
The visit provided the opportunity for in-person discussions between the Ministry of National Security, RBDF and Damen executives on the scope of works, the plan of execution, and the long-term strategic partnership. Damen representatives delivered presentations highlighting its history, growth, capabilities, and vessel portfolio, ranging from harbour security vessels and near-shore patrol vessels to offshore patrol vessels, frigates, and destroyers. The delegation also toured Damen’s facilities and workshops, observing the various stages of patrol vessel construction or repairs.
The delegation visited Damen Pier, where they boarded and inspected the three RBDF vessels currently docked at the facility. Particular focus was placed on HMBS Rolly Gray, which the RBDF anticipates will be returned to service by December 2026. Damen also facilitated a visit to Alphatron, the company responsible for shipboard naval communications systems.
Permanent Secretary Hepburn, opined that having sat in the discussions and based on the tour of Damen’s facilities, she is confident that the three Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessels are in good command under Damen, and there is no doubt that the refit and repairs to these vessels will meet our expectations. She is looking forward to the first vessel returning to The Bahamas in December 2026.
The visit proved successful, with Damen’s leadership expressing a strong commitment to prioritizing the RBDF’s expectations for the successful repair of all four vessels and their expeditious return to the operational theater in The Bahamas.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force under Commodore Moxey’s leadership, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we remain committed to maintaining a mission-ready Fleet to Guard Our Heritage.
