Rescue swimmers from the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama conducted water survival training for members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force in Nassau this week. The training was part of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), an international initiative aimed at combating drug smuggling in the region.
The exercise focused on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Shallow Water Egress Training, which is designed to improve safety for personnel who operate aboard USCG helicopters during OPBAT missions. Thirty-one participants received hands-on instruction intended to enhance cooperation between U.S. and Bahamian agencies involved in counter-drug, search and rescue, and maritime security operations.
Superintendent Wendy Pearson, Commander of the Drug Enforcement Unit, commented on the collaboration: “Training alongside our USCG partners ensures our personnel are best prepared for the unique challenges of joint operations.”
Petty Officer Second Class Cole Johnson from the USCG praised the performance of Bahamian participants: “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.”
Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos is a multi-agency effort that supports The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands by targeting illicit drug trafficking routes. Since its establishment in 1982, OPBAT has played a key role in stopping narcotics bound for the United States or other destinations. U.S. Embassy Nassau Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish said, “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.”