The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) welcomed Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish during a courtesy call to Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King, at the Ministry of National Security. This visit underscores the longstanding tradition of mutual respect, relationship building, and information sharing essential for the smooth operation of bilateral defence relations.
Chargé d’Affaires Furnish assumed her role at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau in June 2024. A seasoned Foreign Service Officer, she previously served as the Director of American Citizen Services & Crisis Management at the U.S. Department of State. In this capacity, she was the senior leader responsible for the protection of U.S. citizens overseas, coordinating with interagency partners to ensure the security of Americans worldwide. Her extensive experience also includes serving as the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Attaché at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, Pakistan, and Chief of American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, where she led Noncombatant Evacuation Operations planning for the Korean Peninsula.
Following her visit with Commander Defence Force, Commodore King, Chargé d’Affaires Furnish also visited the RBDF’s Coral Harbour Base, where she was received by Captain Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee. She was given a presentation and tour, highlighting the Defence Force’s operations and capabilities. Chargé d’Affaires Furnish succeeds Usha Pitts, who served as Chargé d’Affaires from 2021 to 2024. Ms. Pitts is now assigned to Haiti, where she will support the U.S. Embassy’s efforts toward the country’s stability and assist the new U.S. Ambassador to Haiti.
Commodore Raymond E. King is steadfast in his commitment to fostering enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and local law enforcement agencies, as well as regional partners. Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges.
(Photography by: Able Seaman Michael E. Turner II & Marine Seaman Dante Forbes)
