Christmas came early aboard HMBS Coral Harbour on Friday morning as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force celebrated both the reason for the season and the Marines who serve with distinction. In a ceremony blending sacred carols with military precision, 35 outstanding service members received recognition, and one was named the Force’s 2025 Marine of the Year.
As voices lifted in praise celebrating Christ’s birth, Deputy Commander Defence Force Captain Carlon Bethell reminded the assembled personnel that the morning’s gathering reflected more than military tradition. “We gather in fellowship as a reminder of the unity, discipline, and shared purpose that bind the Defence Force family together,” he said, speaking on behalf of Commander Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey. “This season reminds us that true service reflects a willingness to place country above self and duty above convenience, just as Christ demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force extends sincere appreciation to Oaktree Medical Centre for sponsoring this year’s Marine of the Year Ceremony. A 17-member committee, chaired by Senior Commander Granville Adderley assessed 41 recommended candidates from a total of 1,378 eligible Marines across 27 departments. The criterion used was initiative, bearing, discipline, character, and performance or organizational contribution. Each of the 35 nominees received a Certificate of Achievement and $150 cash award.
Minister National Security the Hon Wayne R. Munroe, K.C., M.P., delivered the keynote remarks emphasizing the unique nature of service during the Christmas season. “For many, Christmas is a time of rest and family,” Minister Munroe noted. “But for those who serve in uniform, responsibility does not pause. Even as we gather, members of the Force remain on duty at sea, across the Family Islands, absent from loved ones so that others may celebrate in safety.”
He reflected on Christmas as an invitation to contemplate enduring values. “The work of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains central to the national interest,” Minister Munroe stated. “Through maritime patrols, border security, search and rescue, and disaster response, the Force provides reassurance in moments of uncertainty. Its presence is steady, visible, and essential.”
Marine Rate of the Year 2025: Woman Marine Rachell Evans: Bahamas National Unmanned Systems Department. A certified drone operator and instructor, Evans trains personnel senior in rank and members of external agencies. Recognized during New Entry Training for best female fitness, she continues setting the standard for integrity and sacrifice.
Able Rate of the Year 2025: Able Woman Marine Terrell Johnson: Defence Headquarters, Data Process Unit. From sentry duties and the Changing of the Guard to contributing to the Force’s administrative operations, Johnson earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management while balancing service to country with family life as a devoted wife and proud mother of three.
Leading Rate of the Year 2025: Leading Mechanic Paul Rolle Jr.: Engineering Department. With nearly two decades of service across multiple patrol vessels, Rolle designed and implemented the first comprehensive in-house mechanical training curriculum in over a decade when he recognized the need to develop future technicians.
The 2025 Marine of the Year and Recipient of the Leon Livingstone Smith Award of Excellence: Able Seaman Michael Turner II: Defence Headquarters, Public Relations.
For the first time in the award’s history, the Leon Livingstone Smith Award is conferred upon an Able Rate. It’s a reminder that leadership is not defined by seniority alone, but by direction, vision, innovation, discipline, resilience and years of consistent service.
Turner earned an Associate of Arts in Mass Communication with Distinction from the College of The Bahamas, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Law with Second Class Honours from Keele University in the United Kingdom. Through visual storytelling, he has documented the Defence Force’s defining moments across more than ten years of service. Described as “A Quiet Force,” he works from behind the scenes, allowing his work to speak louder than the name attached to it.
Beyond his duties, Turner serves as a youth leader with the Pathfinders Club and Children and Adolescent Ministries. A proud husband and devoted father to one daughter, he draws purpose from those he serves at home as faithfully as he serves his country.
The ceremony culminated with the annual Captain’s Rush: a Junkanoo parade bringing a festive conclusion to the morning’s events.
Captain Bethell closed by wishing all personnel a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. “May this season bring peace to your homes, renewed purpose to your lives, and continued blessings to your families. And may we never forget that Christ is the reason we celebrate.”
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 acknowledging the hard work and commitment of our personnel who excel in their duties, leadership, and embody the RBDF’s core values.
