OVERVIEW

 

Officially established on 31st March 1980, with the passing of the Defence Act, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) was initially conceived in 1976 from the Marine Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, many of whose officers converted to the force when their unit was disbanded in 1979.

Coral Harbour, an ex-hotel and marina facility which ceased operations in 1972, and located on the southwestern tip of New Providence, serves as home base for the force, which comes under the portfolio of the minister responsible for National Security. The 46-acres site now known as Her Majesty's Bahamian Ship (HMBS) Coral Harbour is also the site of the RBDF Headquarters. Since then, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has grown into a vibrant multi-missioned force, with a naval arm that rivals any among the small Caribbean Nations.

"It is the mission of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to become a self sufficient and multi-missioned maritime organization with the operational capability to respond to threats to national security , as well as perform humanitarian tasks inclusive of maritime search and rescue, disaster relief assistance and peacekeeping in conjunction with regional partners".
"TAKING OVER THE HELM"

Commodore Scavella, a native of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera, began his career

Commodore Scavella shaking the hand of former Commodore Davy Rolle at Change of Command Ceremony.

in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as a Marine Recruit in 1979. Having aspired to the pinnacle of leadership in the organization, Commodore Scavella stated that he accepted his appointment with "mixed emotions and a sense of humility and profound gratitude."

"I realize the grave duties and responsibilities. To take the oath of office of Commodore is always a solemn occasion. The responsibility of directing the affairs of this great nation is never to be taken lightly." more...

A new era in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force commenced on the 2 November 2006 in a Change of Command Sevice held at the HMBS Coral Harbour Base. Outgoing Commodore, Davy F. Rolle, who had held the post of Commander Defence Force for the past nine and a half years was succeed by new Commodore, Clifford W. Scavella.