Defence Headquarters, 12 April, ’24: (RBDF) On April 11, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) welcomed Sergeant Major (SgtMaj) James Porterfield of the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange on enlisted professionalization.
SgtMaj Porterfield, joined by representatives from North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and USNORTHCOM, aimed to gain a deeper understanding of The Bahamas’ security landscape, institutional and readiness challenges, and the RBDF’s operational facets.
Facilitated by Commodore Dr. Raymond King and hosted by Deputy Commander Defence Force (DCDF) Captain Shonedel Pinder, the visit provided a valuable platform for bilateral cooperation. Force Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) Vaughn Ferguson emphasized the RBDF’s commitment to strengthening enlisted professional development strategies.
Scheduled activities included a tour of the Harbour Patrol Unit and a demonstration of SAFE Boat Boarding capabilities, highlighting the RBDF’s maritime security expertise. A luncheon hosted by Master-at-Arms FCPO Raymond Sands fostered dialogue on family programs, gender equity initiatives, and RBDF personnel well-being.
SgtMaj Porterfield’s observation of Basic Entry and/or Commando Pre-Deployment Training methodologies will provide insights into the RBDF’s training structure and operational preparedness. A roundtable discussion on Enlisted Professional Development Strategy delved into strategies for nurturing junior and senior enlisted ranks.
Commodore Dr. Raymond King underscores the RBDF’s strong emphasis on mutual learning and collaboration to advance enlisted professionalization. This focus ensures our personnel are well-equipped, highly trained, and fully prepared for the diverse challenges they face, from maritime security and disaster relief to peacekeeping missions. By consistently demonstrating professionalism and maintaining a state of readiness, the RBDF fulfills its responsibilities in domestic and regional operations, solidifying its enduring partnership with its allies.
