The Cabinet Office today announced the appointment of Commander Dr. Raymond E. King as Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), effective Monday 7 October 2019.

As Deputy Commander, Dr. King will assist Commander Tellis Bethel in the discharge of his duties. The Deputy Commander will be responsible for the oversight of RBDF operations on Abaco and Grand Bahama following the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

The appointment is pursuant to Section 164 (2) of the Defence Force Act, (Chapter 21) Statute law of The Bahamas.

Dr. King joined the Defence Force as a recruit in January of 1987. Over the course of his career he has served as Midshipman, Acting Sub-Lieutenant, Sub Lieutenant, Senior Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander and Commanding Officer of HMBS Nassau. He has also served as Administration and Human Resources Officer at the RBDF Coral Harbour Base.

In 2018, he was seconded to the Port Department as Port Controller, where he served up to his appointment as Deputy Commander.

Dr. King trained at the International Midshipman’s Course at the Britannia Royal Navy College, Dartmouth. He took an accounting course at the College of The Bahamas and received his Associate’s and BA from Success Training College and Sojourner-Douglass College, respectively.

In 2010 he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Nova University, and in 2015 he obtained a Doctor of Education from St. Thomas University in Florida. 

Dr. King has also participated in many international courses including conflict management for leaders; peacekeeping for decision makers; advanced policy making; countering transnational criminal organizations; international officers supply courses and naval staff training.

Lieutenant Commander Berne Wright will serve as the new Port Controller.