The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) continues to strengthen its operational capabilities in line with the Commander Defence Force’s Strategic Concept for a “Multi-Layered Security C4ISR,” which integrates decentralized units into a coordinated, information-dominant security framework. This initiative is designed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) by integrating systems for near real-time tracking, detection, and sharing of intelligence on potential threats to national sovereignty.
From August 19th to 23rd, a team from the RBDF, led by Lieutenant Commander Lystra Bastian, Commanding Officer of the Communications Department, completed the Wave Tactical Training System in Schaumburg, Illinois. The team included Petty Officer Renaldo Bain, Leading Mechanics Timothy Thompson and Desmond Rahming, and Able Mechanic William Pennerman. The training focused on the RBDF Motorola WAVE Tactical system, which facilitates seamless interoperability across diverse devices and networks. The system extends RBDF’s radio communications to PCs, smartphones, and other devices locally and globally, enhancing command and control operations across all domains. This advancement supports the RBDF’s strategic objective of integrating communications systems for a comprehensive operational view of the maritime domain.
Following this, from August 25th to September 7th, a second training exercise was conducted in Rochester, New York, where Lieutenant Commander Lystra Bastian, Chief Petty Officer Rodney Johnson, Petty Officer Renaldo Bain, Leading Mechanics Timothy Thompson and Desmond Rahming, and Able Mechanics William Pennerman and Hakeem Johnson participated in the L3Harris Level III Technical RF-7800H MP and Multiband Radio training. This course, valued at $250,000, enables the RBDF to independently service and maintain its L3Harris HF and Multiband encrypted communication systems to factory standards. As the first Caribbean nation to achieve this level of proficiency, the RBDF now has the capacity to maintain its C2 systems, with additional maritime radio systems expected for delivery in 2024-2025.
Both training exercises directly contribute to the Commander Defence Force’s strategic goals, enhancing the RBDF’s ability to detect, identify, and respond to potential threats to national security through superior communications and operational integration.
The RBDF under the leadership of Commodore Raymond E. King, is dedicated to the transformation of Defence Force personnel’s quality and capabilities. This commitment is rooted in the pursuit of excellence in leadership, which is demonstrated through professionalism. We strive to cultivate a High-Performance Workforce focused on Performance Excellence, fostering an inclusive working environment that empowers our personnel. Through meaningful involvement of service members, we share the responsibility for accomplishing the Defence Force’s Mandate.
