The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) hosted the inaugural National Security Council Divisions onboard HMBS Coral Harbour on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, led by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Edward Davis, KC, MP, Chairman of the National Security Council.
The time-honoured naval tradition of Divisions in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, took on a grand scale with the inaugural National Security Council Divisions. The composition of The National Security Council is as follows: The Prime Minister, the Honourable Philip Edward Davis, KC, MP; The Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper; The Honourable Wayne Munroe, KC, MP; The Honourable Glenys Hanna-Martin, MP; The Honourable Frederick Mitchell, MP; The Senator the Honourable Ryan Pinder; The Senator the Honourable Michael Halkitis; The Honourable Alfred Sears, MP; and The Honourable Keith Bell, MP.
The Divisions formed part of a high-level National Security Council engagement, bringing together senior government leaders and national security stakeholders in a ceremonial display rooted in naval tradition. It reinforces discipline, operational readiness, and esprit de corps across the all ranks and rates.
The Parade Commander was Senior Commander Clinton Johnson and the second In-Charge was Senior Lieutenant Blair Bethel. The National Security Divisions included an Honour Guard and platoons from the Squadron Department, Engineering & Technical Operations 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 Maintenance & Civil Construction Unit.
The Chairman and members of the National Security Council inspected the Honour Guard and Platoons in accordance with established regulations, reinforcing standards of discipline, accountability, and operational readiness. The Hon. Philip Edward Davis, KC, MP (CHAIRMAN) in his keynote address opined “your discipline and bearing are on full display. You carry the values and traditions that have defined this organization since its founding. You are a people’s Force,… the reach of the Defence Force extends far beyond maritime operations. Through your community outreach, you continue to shape and inspire the next generation. You are passing on the values of service, national pride and responsibility. I am pleased to note the continual growth of the Force.”
During the Divisions, six (6) members of the third contingent deployed to the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti were awarded the RBDF Overseas Campaign Medals for their service. Additionally, forty-seven (47) Force Chief Petty Officers received their official Warrants.
The Divisions concluded with a March Past, symbolizing the discipline, professionalism, and military bearing of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Subsequently, the Chairman and members of the Council took the opportunity to tour the Base, several vessels and interacted with Officers and Marines.
Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey, the RBDF is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we commend all Officers and Marines for their professionalism, discipline, service, and esprit de corps demonstrated at the inaugural National Security Council Divisions.
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