The Royal Bahamas Defence Force expressed its gratitude to two serving United States Marine Corps members from the US Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH) during a brief ceremony on Friday past. Captain (Cpt.) Ryan Kirby and Staff Sergeant (Ssgt.) Nikolas Martin were deployed with the Defence Force for 3 months as international training observers. While at Coral Harbour Base, they provided technical and administrative training assistance to the Training and Commando Squadron Departments in the areas of Naval Infantry Instructor Assessment and Ammunition in support of RBDF Basic Training Phase III; Military Occupation Specialty and Career
Development; and, Mission Analysis Planning and Development.
The US Marines worked along with the Defence Force’s training staff in developing the final phase of Defence Force’s recruit training program, which focused on Naval Infantry Training. They also assisted Commando Squadron and Military Police & Force Protection personnel with the development of Combat Marksmanship, Close Quarter Combat and Urban Tactics training. During the farewell ceremony, Commander Defence Force, Commodore Tellis Bethel, thanked the men for their contributions to the Officers and Marines of the Defence Force and expressed appreciation for the relationship between the Defence Force and the US Marine Corps.
Commodore Bethel assured the US Marines that the lessons learned will not be taken for granted as his troops continue to guard and protect the territorial waters of The Bahamas. Also in attendance at the event were Lieutenant Commander Eric Strachan, Commanding Officer of Commando Squadron and Senior Lieutenant Origin Deleveaux, Training Officer, and Chief Petty Officer Carlos Sturrup, Senior Instructor Commando Squadron. Both Cpt. Kirby and Ssgt. Martin were presented with tokens of appreciation for their services, as they return to their various duties at the MARFORNORTH.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to safeguard our heritage.
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