The Tribune

THE largest promotions exercise in the history of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has brought advancements for 371 men and women.

About a quarter of the Force is affected with 57 Officers, three Warrant Officers, 112 Non-Commissioned Officers and 199 junior enlisted personnel recognised with effect from October 1. It is the first RBDF promotions exercise for two years and the second under the command of Commodore Roderick Bowe. The promotions were confirmed last week by National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage.

Senior promotions included the promotion to Captain of Force Medical Officer, Senior Commander Francis Saunders, along with Commanders Samuel Evans and Philip Clarke. Officers promoted from 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 who were elevated 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 RBDF.