Retired Commodore Leon Smith and Mrs. Helen Smith along with and The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King and Mrs. Fredricka King presenting Leading Seaman Melvin Smith with the Leon Smith Award at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020. Also shown are: Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedel Pinder and Captain Glenn McPhee, Acting Captain Coral Harbour. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mark Armbrister)

Coral Harbour Base, (RBDF): In keeping with the Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King’s strategic intent of developing a professional and high-performance workforce focused on excellence and succession planning, Leading Seaman Melvin Smith was awarded the Leon L. Smith Award as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s overall Marine of the Year for 2020.

A training instructor, Leading Seaman Smith was presented with the award at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020, at HMBS Coral Harbour. The sixteen-year-veteran received the coveted award in honor of the first Bahamian Commodore who headed the Defence Force from 1983 – 1997.

Leading Woman Marine Edna Hart from the Airwing Department, Able Woman Marine Jamie Cleare from the Training Department, and Woman Marine Brittany Darville, attached to the RBDF Exchange section of the Supply Department received top honors for their respective rates. A total of forty-two marines were recognized by their various departments and received awards for their outstanding and dedicated services throughout the year.

Warrant Officer Prescola Fowler presenting a gift to the children of the RBDF Veteran Association at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mark Armbrister)

In attendance were Commodore Raymond King, Commander Defence Force, and his wife Retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, His Excellency Captain Whitfield Neely, The Bahamas’ Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti, Retired Commodore Leon Livingston Smith and his wife Mrs. Helen Smith, and the RBDF’s Executive Command Team. In bringing his remarks, Commodore King thanked the Officers and Marines for their invaluable contributions throughout the year.

“I am forever grateful for the dedication of you, the hard-working men and women of this great organization, who continue to support and represent the force in a professional manner”, said Commodore King. “You continue to support the National COVID Taskings that include Curfew Enforcement, Security Operations, and Maritime Law Enforcement Missions. Whether you are a member of the Administration, Logistics, or Operations section, your contributions to this entire operation are grateful. My Executive Command team stands with me as I say ‘Thank you’ for your services”.

The annual service, which is also a time of reflection and thanksgiving, brings together personnel from all sectors of the force. RBDF Chaplain, Reverend Prince Bodie, who brought the Christmas message encouraged those in attendance to always thank the Lord for where he brought them. As he also reflected on his personal journey into the organization during his service as the force’s chaplain, he reminded everyone that as they prepare for the festive season, to remember God’s son who came into the world.

The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King and Mrs. Fredricka King presenting Woman Marine Britany Darville for the RBDF Marine Rate Award at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020. Also shown are: Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedel Pinder and Captain Glenn McPhee, Acting Captain Coral. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mark Armbrister)

The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King and Mrs. Fredricka King presenting Able Woman Marine Jamie Cleare for the RBDF Marine Rate Award at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020. Also shown are: Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedel Pinder; Captain Glenn McPhee, Acting Captain Coral; and Lieutenant Commander Origin Deleveaux, Training Officer. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mark Armbrister)

The Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond King and Mrs. Fredricka King presenting Leading Woman Marine Edna Hart for the RBDF Leading Rate Award at the force’s Annual Christmas Carol and Awards Ceremony on Monday, December 21, 2020. Also shown are: Deputy Commander Defence Force, Captain Shonedel Pinder; Captain Glenn McPhee, Acting Captain Coral Harbour; and Commander Reno Major, Air Wing Commanding Officer. (RBDF Photo by Chief Petty Officer Mark Armbrister)