On August 31st 2019, Advance Support Teams comprised of Royal Bahamas Defence Force personnel were deployed to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco to assist local authorities and communities in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Dorian. In the words of those who experienced the full wrath of the storm, nothing could have prepared any individual for this particular category 5 hurricane.
Prior to Hurricane Dorian landfall, emergency contingency plans were established. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Officers and Marines have worked tirelessly to assist local residents.
Defence Force personnel continue to provide hurricane relief efforts to the affected islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco and the surrounding cays. Some of these roles include, but are not limited to security, shelter management, transport and distribution of relief supplies, and assisting local and regional partners.
Whenever RBDF personnel are deployed, families and loved ones are left behind to carry on the daunting responsibilities of ensuring the smooth operation of the home. Alice Walker once said that “ ‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.”
The dedicated Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force continue to provide disaster relief assistance throughout the affected areas.