Press Releases

Newly appointed AUTEC Commander pays courtesy calls on Bahamian Government Officials

February 2, 2007

The new commander of the Atlantic Undersea Testing and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) located on Andros Island,  United States Navy Lieutenant Commander Jeffrey Pafford,  visited Nassau January 31 to pay courtesy calls on Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt, Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell and Energy and Environment Minister Dr. Marcus Bethel.  The discussions continued AUTEC's ongoing dialogue with the Government of the Bahamas regarding AUTEC’s ongoing activities, community engagement in Andros, efforts to expand employment opportunities for Bahamians, and environmental protection initiatives.

Lt. Commander Pafford updated the ministers on AUTEC's Coral Reef Protection Program and the marine mammal research programs, part of nearly $10,000,000 the Navy spends each year on such programs.  Lt. Commander Pafford conveyed his appreciation for the dedicated service of the nearly 200 Bahamian employees at AUTEC and outlined the base's efforts to expand its Bahamian workforce and offer new opportunities for career growth..  In response to a request from the Deputy Prime Minister, Lt. Commander Pafford agreed to open AUTEC to tours by Andros Schools and to explore opportunities for summer internships among local youth as part of the base's community activities. 

This week's meetings followed a series of four outreach activities organized by AUTEC and the United States Embassy last year to raise public awareness about AUTEC operations and to open the facilities to the media and local residents.  Since those meetings, AUTEC has opened its base to a local farmers market, organizes softball games, and continues to work to be a good friend and neighbor to the people of Andros.  AUTEC remains open to requests for facility tours and community service opportunities on Andros.

 

Caption: The photo shows, from left, AUTEC Lieutenant Commander Pafford, DPM Pratt and Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt.