Defence Headquarters, 26 SEP. ‘23 (RBDF): On September 22,Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, accompanied by his spouse Mrs. King, Retired Force Chief Petty Officer attended the International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) held at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. The symposium aimed to promote maritime cooperation at both regional and global levels by convening prominent naval leaders from around the world for an open exchange of ideas, discussions, and peer reviews.
Bilateral Discussions were held with Commandants, Admiral Daryl Caudle, US Fleet Forces Command, Vice Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commander US Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and Admiral Linda Fagan, Commandant of the US Coast Guard. Representatives from several nations, including Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Barbados, Cameroon, Canada, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, Romania, and The Bahamas among many, provided briefings and actively participated in panel discussions. They also played a significant role in leading and contributing to seminar sessions focusing on regional and global perspectives.
Key topics discussed during this year’s Symposium included upholding the international rules-based order, geopolitical maritime tensions, food energy, seabed infrastructure and commerce, illegal, unreported, and unregulated maritime activities, artificial intelligence and unmanned technology, and strategies for developing, empowering, and retaining sailors. Regional symposium reports were also presented, providing a valuable opportunity to promote bilateral engagement and cooperation.
This collaborative effort, inspired by past International Sea Power Symposiums, has yielded significant success in sharing regional information and relief efforts during hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Additionally, it has strengthened joint enforcement actions against contraband smuggling, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, and piracy. These vital discussions underscore the shared commitment to preserving the free and open rules-based order within the global Maritime Commons—a framework essential for peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide.
Commodore Raymond E. King is steadfast in his commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) as well as regional and international partners. Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges.
The RBDF remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage. We are committed to upholding the highest standards as we protect and preserve the rich legacy that defines our nation.
