A contingent from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) visited U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach in November 2024 for a historic, first-time port call. While in Florida, RBDF forces trained with Coast Guard personnel. ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE
THE WATCH STAFF
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) made history in November 2024 with its first port call at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, marking a new chapter in the “long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and the RBDF,” according to an RBDF news release. The visit offered the opportunity for joint training exercises between the two forces, increasing interoperability and collaboration.
While in Florida, the HMBS Bahamas (P-60) participated in collaborative training exercises with Coast Guard Sector Miami, U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, USCG Cutter Bernard C. Webber and USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC-1105), according to the release. “These exercises, which focused on enhancing interoperability and operational efficiency, serve to strengthen the bilateral ties between both forces.”
The exercises covered challenges such as law enforcement, search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and commercial shipping concerns. “The training and collaborative efforts aim to build upon the strong foundations of the RBDF-U.S. Coast Guard partnership, providing valuable insights and shared experiences that will enhance both agencies’ capabilities in safeguarding the Florida Straits and beyond.”
The Coast Guard and the RBDF have collaborated closely for more than 40 years and have seen much success with the Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), which launched in 1982 to deter illegal trafficking in the Caribbean basin. The forces frequently work together to interdict vessels carrying illegal migrants, drugs, weapons and other contraband.
The RBDF’s commander, Commodore Raymond E. King, has emphasized strengthening relations with regional partners. “Our commitment to enhancing cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies underscores our shared goal of ensuring a secure maritime environment. Through joint operations, proactive information sharing, and continuous collaboration, we strengthen our ability to effectively address both present and emerging security challenges,” the release stated.
“This engagement is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance regional security, improve maritime domain awareness, and further develop the operational capacity of both organizations. The partnership between the RBDF and the U.S. Coast Guard continues to be a model of international cooperation, demonstrating the power of strategic alliances in safeguarding shared interests in the maritime domain.”