In keeping with the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King’s strategic intent of developing a professional and high-performance workforce focused on rewarding excellence in the workplace, the Commanding Officer and crew of Her Majesty’s Bahamian Ship LEON LIVINGSTON SMITH, along with the vessel, were recognized for their outstanding performance during the year.
During a brief ceremony at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s Headquarters, John F. Kennedy Drive on December 18, 2020, Senior Lieutenant Alexis Brown and his crew received top marks for a banner year among the RBDF fleet. In providing border protection and patrolling the territorial waters of The Bahamas, the vessel accumulated both the highest total number of patrols and time spent on the high seas for the year 2020.
Attended by Commodore King along with Senior Commander Chappell Whyms, Commander Operations; and Commander Milton Munroe, Squadron Commanding Officer, the crew of HMBS LEON L. SMITH was presented with certificates from Commodore King, who expressed his gratitude to them for their stellar performances.
“As I congratulate you, I want you to know that your success is a representation to the organization, your country, and the international partners towards the peace and tranquility we sustain”, said Commodore King. “You have responded to the many activities during the year, which included the pandemic, border security, as well as protection from illicit activities. The entire squadron fleet is to be commended, and I wish that you continue to be a pacesetter”.
HMBS LEON LIVINGSTON SMITH was the third of nine vessels to be added to the RBDF fleet under The Bahamas Government’s patrol craft acquisition project. Commissioned on September 19, 2014, the vessel is named in honor of the first Bahamian Commodore who led the organization from 1983 to 1997.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to guarding and protecting the territorial integrity of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.