COMMODORE RODERICK BOWE BSc., CMELI
COMMANDER DEFENCE FORCE
ROYAL BAHAMAS DEFENCE FORCE
P. O. Box N-850
Nassau, Bahamas
Office:(242) 362-1818 Ext. 1-2010-#
Fax:(242) 362-2544
Roderick Bowe was born on 22 January 1961 to the late Bert and Corine Bowe in New Providence. He graduated from the Jordan Prince Williams High School in 1978, where he served as Deputy Head Boy during his final year. In 1978, he enrolled in the College of The Bahamas and chose Biology as a major.
Schooling would be sidetracked for a while as his transition into manhood would be marked by a crucial decision that would see a 21 year old Bowe undertaking a gallant commitment to serve his country in the aftermath of the tragic Flamingo Incident of 1980. A direct entrant Midshipman, Bowe would begin his naval career in earnest in July 1982 when he was selected to undergo the Young Officers Royal Navy Course. His attendance at the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, England would immerse him in naval studies and professional training intended for a junior officer within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
Upon his return in 1983, Midshipman Bowe served as a navigation officer onboard HMBS Fort Charlotte and HMBS Marlin. After a year of duties at sea, Bowe’s dream to become a pilot would be realized as he was selected to undergo flight training at the Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida. He returned the following year as a fully qualified Commercial Pilot with Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings. After receiving his commission, he was appointed as the Assistant Air Wing Commanding Officer.
He was promoted to Acting Sub Lieutenant in 1983, to Sub Lieutenant in 1985, Lieutenant in 1986, Senior Lieutenant in 1990, Lieutenant Commander in 1995 and Commander in July 2007. The rank of Commodore was offered to him and he would accept the post to lead the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as Commander Defence Force, on 21st January 2010.
Over the years, Commodore Bowe has obtained a wealth of administrative and operational experience, accepting diverse appointments ashore and at sea. Among the various key positions he has served in and benefitted from exponentially include Operations Officer; Base First Lieutenant; Base Executive Officer; Personnel Officer; Chief Staff Officer; Squadron Commanding Officer; Air Wing Commanding Officer; and Research and Forward Planning Officer. During the mid 1990s, Bowe felt compelled to direct the launching of the Adopt-A-School program, an iniative that continues today with the Royal Bahamas Defence force assisting whereever it can to assist the students at Gambier Primary School.
Commodore Roderick Bowe earned a Bachelors Degree in Professional Management from Nova Southeastern University in 2007. He is also a recipient of the Force’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He is a fellow of the Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies and a 1999 graduate of the US Naval War College (Class 55). He has undergone extensive professional training at respected civilian and military institutions both locally and abroad. He has attended certificated courses such as Internal Auditor (American Bureau of Shipping); Advance Policy Making- Defence and Security (National Defence University); Managing Internal Conflict (US Institute of Peace); Military and Peace Keeping Operations with emphasis on the Rule of Law (US Defence Institute of International Legal Studies); Antiterrorism Force Protection Level 3 (US Office of Security Policy and Management); Prospective CO/XO Afloat Course (US Coast Guard); International Ships and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS); Defence Planning and Resource Management (National Defence University); Helicopter Egress Training (US Navy) and Open Water Survival Training (US Air Force). He also holds an advance open water diving certificate from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).
Roderick Bowe is returning to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at its helm after being appointed Senior Deputy Director in the Department of Immigration, a position he held since November 2008.
He and his wife Joanne (nee Sandiford) are the proud parents of two daughters, Kristine Ashley (18) and Kristen Alexis (13). The family worships at Christ Community Church where he serves as a Minister in the Children’s Ministry.
