TOP right: Commodore Roderick Bowe inspecting a platoon at a recent Commander Defence Force Division. Profile photos are the (8) senior officers that recently were promoted.

Coral Harbour Base, Bahamas – The Minister of National Security, The Honourable Dr. Bernard J. Nottage confirmed on 12 December 2014 that promotions and advancements for 371 men and women in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force were approved with effect from 1st October 2014.

This recent exercise was the largest in Defence Force history with approximately a quarter of the Force being affected. Promotions and advancements comprised 57 Officers, 3 Warrant Officers, 112 Non-Commissioned Officers and 199 junior enlisted personnel.

Senior Officer Promotions included the Force Medical Officer, Senior Commander Francis Saunders who was promoted from Senior Commander to the rank of Captain; Commanders Samuel Evans and Philip Clarke were also promoted to the rank of Captain. Officers promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Commander to Commander were Warren Bain, Michael Simmons, Cheryl Bethel, Gregory Brown, and Shonedel Pinder.

Among Non-Commissioned Officers advanced from Chief Petty Officer to Force Chief Petty Officer were Lawrence Lloyd, Christopher Mackey and Kenneth Sands.

The 112 persons who were advanced from Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer or from Leading Rate to Petty Officer, along with the 199 Junior Enlisted personnel represented all departments of the Defence Force.

This promotional and advancement exercise represents the second under the Command of Commodore Roderick Bowe. The last promotion advancement exercise for the Defence Force was on 21 Jan 2012 with effect from 1st October 2011.

The Commander Defence Force extends heartfelt congratulations to the Officers and Marines for their continued hard work and dedication to the Force, and gratitude to the Minister of National Security for his support.