The sinking of the HMBS Flamingo by Cuban Mig Jet Fighters on 10 May 1980 remains one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in the history of The Royal Bahamas Defence Force(RBDF). On that fateful day, four brave Marines made the ultimate sacrifice when they lost their lives in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and unwavering service to The Bahamas.
Honoring these heroes remains of the utmost importance, not only to remember their service and sacrifice but also to ensure that future generations never forget the selfless acts of bravery that shaped the RBDF and the Nation.
To this end, the Commander Defence Force Commodore Raymond King appointed the HMBS Flamingo Memorial Committee who have been entrusted to memorialize the sinking of HMBS Flamingo and its four heroes in perpetuity have been working tirelessly to ensure that their memory is properly enshrined. The committee’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to keep the legacy of these fallen heroes alive, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
On Friday, 21 March 2025, significant progress was made toward this goal. Commodore Raymond King, his Executive Team, and representatives from the Memorial Committee met with Anglican Diocese Bishop Laish Boyd and Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, Director of St. Agnes Church, to finalize plans for a permanent memorial. The Anglican Dioces has graciously provided a property in Duncan Town, Ragged Island, where the RBDF will erect an HMBS Flamingo Memorial monument. This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in honoring the fallen officers and preserving their legacy for future generations. Ragged Island was the initial safe harbor for the savoring crew members after the sinking of Flamingo. This island also endures sortie by the Cuban Ming Jet Fighters The meeting was held to finalize the details of this partnership between the RBDF and the Anglican Diocese,bringing the memorial closer to fruition.
The proposed monument will serve as a symbol of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, and its location in Ragged Island, close to the community,highlights the importance of both national and local recognition. The efforts of theHMBS Flamingo Memorial Committee, alongside the generous support of the Anglican Diocese,demonstrate a collective commitment to ensuring that the legacy of these fallen officers endures.
