NASSAU, Bahamas -- On Tuesday, July 3, officials from the U.S. Embassy and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) participated in a handover ceremony at the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Base, to present the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas with floodwater rescue equipment to increase the capacity to prepare for and respond to flood-related disasters associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.

The official presentation was held to commemorate the third and final phase of a $500,000 USNORTHCOM-funded training program held on New Providence that included first responders representing the Airport Authority, Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) firemen and RBDF sailors, Commandos and Air Wing personnel.

Tuesday’s official handover ceremony reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Bahamian bilateral partnership and provided a tangible illustration of USNORTHCOM’s ongoing efforts to promote security cooperation throughout the region.

On hand for the event were Major General Fran Mahon, the Director of Strategy, Policy & Plans, USNORTHCOM; U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman; Mr. Renward Wells, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and Urban Development; Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA; and several first responders who participated in the training on New Providence.

From March through May 2012 more than 40 first responders from New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahamas representing NEMA, the RBPF, the RBDF and various local fire and rescue agencies completed USNORTHCOM’s extensive Flood Water/Rope Rescue training and are now better equipped with life-saving techniques and equipment to provide critical rescue assistance in the event of a natural disaster. Each of the three island rescue teams received USNORTHCOM-donated equipment, which included life jackets, throw line bags, search lights, megaphones, helmets, personal protective equipment, ropes and rope rescue equipment, as well as a 16-ft War Eagle aluminum boat, 20 hp outboard motor, trailer, cover, and related hardware.

Major General Fran Mahon, the Director of Strategy, Policy & Plans, USNORTHCOM; W. Stuart Symington, Foreign Policy Advisor, USNORTHCOM; U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman; Mr. Renward Wells, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Works and Urban Development; Captain Stephen Russell, Director of NEMA; and several first responders who participated in the training on New Providence.

Major General Fran Mahon, the Director of Strategy, Policy & Plans, USNORTHCOM gives remarks at the handover ceremony.