Royal Bahamas Defence Force

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) is the military of the Bahamas. The Bahamas does not have an army or an air force, so its navy is the whole armed force of the country. The RBDF works to protect the Bahamas, keep its waters safe, and help during disasters. It also works with law enforcement to keep order and does tasks set by the National Security Council.

The Defence Force is part of CARICOM's Regional Security Task Force. This group has helped in important missions, such as the 1994 United Nations mission in Haiti. The RBDF plays a big role in keeping the Bahamas safe and supporting the country in many ways.

History

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force became official on March 31, 1980, under the Ministry of National Security. Charles III, the King of the Bahamas, is the Commander-in-Chief, and the Governor-General of the Bahamas does ceremonial duties.

In 1980, the RBDF tried to stop Cuban fishing boats in Bahamian waters. Cuban jets attacked and sank one RBDF ship. The Bahamas and Cuba later made an agreement, with Cuba paying money to the Bahamas.

The Force

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) is a navy, unlike other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations that have land-based soldiers. It is the largest navy in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with about 1,600 members.

These members work in seven main areas: Headquarters, Administration, Engineering, Supply, Military Police, Operations, and The Commando Squadron. The Operations Department includes the main active units:

• The (Patrol) Squadron - This group operates all RBDF ships and small boats for security.
• The Commando Squadron - A group of Special Marine Commandos trained for water and land operations, also helping with national security.
• The Air Wing - This unit uses airplanes for watching over and supporting operations from the air.

The Commando Squadron trains with special forces from the United States and the United Kingdom. The RBDF has updated its gear over time. Originally, members wore British-style uniforms, but now they wear digital woodland camouflage similar to what U.S. Marines wear. The weapons have also changed from British models to U.S.-made ones like the M4 carbine.

The RBDF also uses the M101 105mm howitzer.

Structure

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has two career paths: Marine and Officer. Marines can move up from Marine Seaman to Force Chief Petty Officer. Officers can move up from Midshipman to Commodore. The RBDF is organized like the British Royal Navy, and many officers study at British service schools.

The main office of the RBDF is at The New National Security Complex on John F. Kennedy Drive on New Providence Island. The leader is called "Commander Defence Force" and is Commodore Dr. Raymond King. Other bases are in Matthew Town, Inagua, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Freeport, Grand Bahama, and Gun Point, Ragged Island.

Because there are not many ships, most RBDF members work on land. They help with naval and infantry duties, act as police, customs, and immigration officers, inspect fisheries, rescue people in emergencies, search and save, guard detention centers, and maintain navigation aids. The RBDF also offers a high school course called the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers.

RBDF members have taken part in peacekeeping missions in El Salvador and Haiti.

Ships

The main ships are two Bahamas-class and four Legend-class offshore patrol vessels. These ships are part of a contract signed with the Damen Shipyards Group in April 2013. Their missions include stopping illegal fishing, fighting drugs, enforcing immigration rules, search and rescue, and national defense.

Four of the new ships will be Stan 4207 design, four will be Stan 3007 design, and the last will be a 55-metre (180 ft) landing craft style transport ship, Damen Stan Lander 5612.

Equipment

Air Wing

The Air Wing started on November 26, 1981, two years after the defence force was created. It began with three Aero Commander 500s bought from Bahamasair, but these were sold in 1990. Later, a Cessna 402 and a Cessna 421 were added. By late 2005, a Super King Air 350 arrived. In May 2009, a Cessna 208 Turbine Caravan with floats and a Partenavia P.68 joined the fleet, helping with watching and carrying things.

In December 2019, the Bahamas started the Bahamas Unmanned Aerial System programme, working with Swift Engineering to get 55 unmanned aerial vehicles.

Current air fleet

Retired aircraft

Retired aircraft include Aero Commander 500, Beechcraft Super King Air 350, Cessna 402, Cessna 421.