The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) conducted Commander Defence Force Divisions onboard HMBS Coral Harbour on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Commander Defence Force Divisions is a Ceremonial Division reflecting the time-honoured naval tradition that brings an entire ship’s company or Base personnel together on a parade ground to reinforce discipline and military standards. It is a demonstration of unity, organizational pride and professionalism that reinforces espirt de corps.
In the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, “Commander Defence Force Divisions” refers to the formal parade and inspection of the Officer and Enlisted corps within their respective platoons (divisions) to be reviewed and assess operational readiness, and discipline, by the Commander Defence Force.
The Parade Commander for Commander Defence Force Divisions was Senior Commander Clinton Johnson, assisted by Senior Lieutenant Thomas Thompson. Divisions comprised a Ceremonial Guard and platoons from the Squadron Department, Engineering Department, Supply Department, Military Police & Force Protection Unit, Headquarters Department, Bahamas Military and Maritime Academy, Harbour Patrol Unit, Commando Squadron, Administration Department, Air Wing Department, K-9 Unit, National Youth Guard, and Base Civil Construction & Maintenance Unit.
The Commander Defence Force inspected the Guard and Divisions, after which the Master at Arms read the Defence Force (Miscellaneous) Regulations 1984, Regulation 6, and the Defence Act 1979, Section 166(2). Prayers were offered by RBDF Chaplain Apostle Dr. Raymond Wells.
The Hon Wayne R. Munroe, KC, MP, Minister of National Security was in attendance, along with Permanent Secretary Bridget Hepburn, and other government officials, and dignitaries.
In his keynote address, the Commander Defence Force emphasized the importance of naval traditions, discipline, accountability, and unity as foundational pillars of the RBDF. He reiterated his seven priority areas: MODERNIZATION & TECHNOLOGY, OPERATIONAL READINESS, TRAINING & INCLUSION, DISCIPLINE &ACCOUNTABILITY, WELFARE & MORALE, LOGISTICS & ENGINEERING, and PARTNERSHIPS & INTELLIGENCE.
The Commander Defence Force highlighted recent advancements, including fleet reinvestment, acquisition of new interceptors, expansion of maritime radar surveillance systems, drone integration, regional security cooperation, and humanitarian deployments across The Bahamas and the Caribbean. He underscored that sustained recruitment, promotions & advancements, operational sustainability, and disciplined conduct remain essential as the RBDF continues to strengthen maritime dominance and safeguard the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The Commander Defence Force Divisions concluded with a March Past, reflecting the discipline, professionalism, readiness, and unity of the Force.
Following the March Past, Defence Force Chaplain Apostle Dr Raymond Wells formally handed over duties and responsibilities of RBDF Chaplaincy to Bishop Delton Fernander, President of The Bahamas Christian Council, who was introduced as the new Defence Force Chaplain. Following remarks by both Chaplain Apostle Dr Raymond Wells and Chaplain Bishop Delton Fernander, the Hon Wayne R. Munroe, KC, MP, Minister of National Security, expressed gratitude to Chaplain Wells for his dedicated service and formally welcomed Bishop Fernander to his new role.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force under Commodore Moxey’s leadership, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we remain committed to our CORE VALUES:Fair-play, Accountability, Integrity, Transparency, Honesty, Fortitude, Unity and Loyalty.
Photos by M/S Natreo Rolle and M/S Tavano Ferguson
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