Press Releases

Commander of U.S. Southern Command makes official visit to The Bahamas

Admiral James Stavridis, Commander of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) visited The Bahamas July 17-19.  During the visit, Admiral Stavridis met with Bahamian Prime Minister the Right Honorable Hubert Ingraham and the Minister of National Security, the Honorable Tommy Turnquest for very productive bilateral discussions.  The admiral noted that the partnership between Bahamian and U.S. law enforcement agencies is both warm and friendly, adding that the joint cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling is among the best in the region. 

Admiral Stavridis pledged to continue to work with the Bahamian government to enhance national security and protect the borders.  He commended the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on the great work it is doing through Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and announced that through USSOUTHCOM’s “Operation Enduring Friendship” program, four high-tech go-fast vessels will be donated to the Bahamian government to assist with drug fighting efforts.  The first vessel is expected to arrive this October and training for the crew will also be made available through USSOUTHCOM.

O July 17, Chargè d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Dr. D. Brent Hardt and his wife, Saskia Hardt hosted a welcome reception in honor of Admiral and Mrs. Stavridis at Liberty Overlook, Residence of the U.S. Ambassador.  Governor General, His Excellency Arthur D. Hanna and the Minister of National Security, Tommy Turnquest, were among the guests in attendance.  In his brief remarks, Admiral Stavridis noted that he has been visiting The Bahamas since the 1970’s and he always felt a love and deep appreciation for the Bahamian people.  He added that two words best describe the relationship USSOUTHCOM enjoys with the Bahamian government, “friendship and cooperation”.  During his visit to The Bahamas, Admiral Stavridis also toured the OPBAT base in Great Inagua and the AUTEC base in Andros.

 

Caption:  Photo shows from left:  Admiral James Stavridis, USSOUTHCOM Commander and his wife, Laura Stavridis; His Excellency, Arthur D. Hanna, Governor General; Mrs. Saskia Hardt and Chargè d’Affaires, Dr. D. Brent Hardt at the Ambassador’s residence, Liberty Overlook