Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, recently conducted water survival training in Nassau for members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). The training was part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), a joint initiative aimed at enhancing regional security.
The exercise focused on the USCG’s Shallow Water Egress Training (SWET), which is designed to improve safety for those operating aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. A total of 31 Bahamian participants received hands-on instruction over several days. The event also aimed to strengthen cooperation between U.S. and Bahamian agencies involved in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security efforts.
“Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations,” said Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander Drug Enforcement Unit.
Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson of the USCG highlighted the performance of Bahamian trainees: “We were excited and proud to have the opportunity to share our expertise with our Bahamian partners. Not only did RBDF and RBPF perform exceptionally well, they exceeded the standards we set for the event.”
OPBAT is an international operation that brings together multiple agencies from The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the United States to address drug smuggling through the region. According to U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish, “Since 1982, OPBAT has worked to stop the flow of illicit narcotics through the Caribbean, destined for the United States or other jurisdictions. This is international cooperation at its best.”