Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King, Executive Officers, Command Senior Enlisted Leader and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA traveled to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, USA, to participate in a Bilateral Security Co-operation Framework (BSCF) Executive Session hosted by the Rhode Island National Guard and United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) from 28th April – 4th May 2024.
The purpose of the Executive Session was to continue strengthening the Bilateral Security Cooperation Framework signed in 2022 between the United States, The Bahamas and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The delegation was welcomed by the Rhode Island Governor, Daniel McKee, and given a tour of the Rhode Island State House.
The daily executive sessions where chaired by Major General Chris Callahan the Adjutant General RING, Rear Admiral Scott Robertson, US Navy, Director of Strategy, Plans & Policy for NORAD & USNORTHCOM and Commander Defence Force, Commodore Dr. Raymond King. These included briefings as well as cultural exchanges and tours of facilities. Some of the facilities included, were Camp Fogarty, Quonset Air National Guard Base, and the Rhode Island’s Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA).
Some of the tours included the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies, the University of Rhode Island International Center to discuss educational exchanges and a potential partnership with The Bahamas Military and Maritime Academy (BMMA). While at NWC, Commander Defence Force conducted a courtesy call with NWC President, RADM Peter Garvin.
A significant milestone was the historic signing of a MOU between The Bahamas Military and Maritime Academy (BMMA) and Rhode Island Army National Guard 243rd Regiment Regional Training Institute (RTI), to establish a framework for collaboration and cooperation between RTI and BMMA to enhance the training and development of military personnel.
There was also as a tour onboard the USS Constitution, a visit to the Freedom Trail, and Bostonian cultural sites.
The Commander Defence Force (CDF) accompanied by Mrs. Fredericka King (FCPO Retired) and Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA attended the NWC Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Welcome Reception where the CDF provided remarks as the keynote speaker.
Security and Defence briefings focused on partnerships, strengthening and building capacity in the following areas: Communications, Intelligence, Operations, Logistics, Human Resource Management, Training activities, Military exercises, Equipment donations and Disaster Management. We thank Marc Pappas, Director, RIEMA; and Marc Parlange, President, URI, and other US Military Service Members Functional Working Group Leads.
In keeping with the Commander Defence Force’s intent of strengthening Security Cooperation relationships particularly with regional and international partners, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to embrace opportunities that enhance the organization’s strategic posture that ensures the RBDF is well manned, trained and equipped to accomplish its missions successfully. The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage.
(Photos by USNORTHCOM)
