A command handover ceremony was held at the Coral Harbour Base for the new Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on Thursday. Incoming Commodore Floyd Moxey has succeeded retired Commodore Dr. Raymond King.

Moxey spoke with reporters on the sidelines of the event. He said, “I’m surrounded by talented, competent people and I think we’re going to move the organization forward.”

During his remarks at the ceremony Moxey said he intents forge a modern force. “It is my intent to align with the will of the government of The Bahamas to forge a Defence Force that is modern, resilient and forward looking.”

Former Commodore Dr. King, who was moved to tears while being serenaded by his wife, also addressed attendees at the ceremony speaking about the achievements doing his tenure. He said, “concerted efforts were placed on my part to exemplify leadership qualities characterized by professionalism, integrity and fairness.”

Moxey said the Defence Force now operates at about 65% and his intention is to get it to 85% and to increase its presence in the southern Bahamas. He also revealed that the force expected 150 recruits at the end of this month.