The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) welcomed Brig. Gen. Mark W. Siekman from United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) during an official visit to the Harbour Patrol Unit on May 26, 2026, and the Coral Harbour Base on May 27. Siekman met with RBDF commanders, department heads and unit leaders, and he praised the RBDF for its professionalism, dedication and commitment to service.
Capt. Stephen U. Rolle and Cmdr. Valentino Rolle, Harbour Patrol commanding officer, formally welcomed Siekman and his delegation to the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit. Rolle briefed Siekman, who serves as director for logistics and engineering (J-4) for both USNORTHCOM and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), on the unit’s responsibilities and functions. A highlight was waterside security operations that protect cruise ships transporting millions of visitors to the Nassau Cruise Port each year.
Siekman also toured the Outboard Workshop, where Chief Petty Officer Duane Mackey reviewed maintenance schedules and training for technicians and mechanics. Mackey noted U.S. donations of marine engines, spare parts, components and tools to support the force’s SAFE (Secure All-around Flotation Equipped) Boats. The donations cover a three-year maintenance and repair package and training for engineers, technicians and SAFE Boat crews.
At the end of the visit, Siekman presented USNORTHCOM and NORAD Logistics & Engineering Commemorative Coins to Cmdr. Rolle as a gesture of appreciation and partnership. In May, Cmdr. Rolle was part of the official delegation of senior officers that attended the North American Maritime Security Initiative Executive Meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, underscoring the long-standing partnership and cooperation between The Bahamas and the U.S.
At the Coral Harbour Base on May 27, Capt. Sonia Miller, captain of Coral Harbour, welcomed Siekman and his delegation and introduced them to department heads in charge of key operational and support functions on the base. Siekman met with members of the Fire and Rescue Department, Disaster Risk Management Department, Supplies Department, Communications Department, Operations Department, Commando Squadron, Drone Unit, and the Base Construction and Civil Maintenance Unit.
Siekman learned about unit leaders’ capabilities, ongoing initiatives and contributions to national security, maritime defense, disaster response and operational readiness. While there, he emphasized the importance of sustaining high readiness standards and enhancing interdepartmental cooperation to manage evolving mission demands.
In addition to his visits to RBDF facilities, Siekman called on U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker at the U.S. embassy that week. U.S. Embassy Nassau posted on the social platform X: “Honored to host Brigadier General Mark Siekman & Senior Enlisted Leader SGM Clarence Raby from @USNorthernCmd this week! They joined our Memorial Day ceremony, met with Ambassador Walker, and engaged with partners from the @RBPFPolice and the @drm_authority to strengthen collaboration on logistics & disaster preparedness. #BahamasUSPartnership”
The RBDF and USNORTHCOM have a long history of cooperation in security, defense, training and regional collaboration. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of USNORTHCOM and NORAD, testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on March 19, commending the RBDF and highlighting its close alliance with the U.S.
“The Royal Bahamian Defence Force remains a valued USNORTHCOM partner in regional defense,” Guillot testified. “The RBDF’s contributions to maritime security and counternarcotics efforts in the approaches to the homeland have been critical to shared success, and in January 2025, USNORTHCOM was proud to join The Bahamas and the Rhode Island National Guard in celebrating 20 years of collaboration through the State Partnership Program.”