The USS Wasp amphibious assault ship sailed into Nassau on June 28 during a three-day visit to celebrate half a century of independence and its regional partnership with the United States and the Bahamas.

The highlight of the USS Wasp’s call was a reception on June 30, on the flight deck of a US Navy ship, to honor the special event and close partnership between the two nations. US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and US Embassy in Nassau welcomed Bahamian Government officials, senior Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) officers aboard the USS Wasp. , community and business leaders and foreign dignitaries, according to a US Navy press release on July 1.

NORTHCOM’s area of ​​responsibility covers parts of the Caribbean including the Bahamas, whose closest island to the US is less than 50 miles from Florida.

The Bahamas gained independence from Britain on July 10, 1973.

“As the Bahamas celebrates 50 years of independence, we are equally proud to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with the United States,” Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said at the ceremony. “This milestone is a testament to the friendship and partnership between our two countries. The US Embassy Celebration serves as a platform to highlight the achievements of our journey together over the last five decades. It reminds us of the successes we have achieved together, the challenges ahead and the aspirations we have for the future that know no bounds.”

During the ceremony, Governor General of the Bahamas Cornelius A. Smith; US Chargé d’Affaires Usha E. Pitts; US Army Lieutenant General AC Roper, Deputy Commander NORTHCOM; US Navy Captain Nakia Cooper, commander of the USS Wasp; and Prime Minister Davis. The reception featured music by the 88th Rhode Island National Guard Army Band (RING) and the RBDF Band, two US A-Z0C Thunderbolt II fighters, and fireworks over the harbor.

“The reception we got on the flight deck was probably the most impressive I’ve seen in my years in the Navy,” said USS Navy Captain Christopher Purcell, USS Wasp executive officer. “It was well received by the Bahamian people; He was well received by the embassy.”

However, the USS Wasp’s scope went far beyond the ceremony. The sailors strengthened the mutual friendship Prime Minister Davis spoke of during his speech, visiting local organizations and meeting Bahamian military personnel.

USS Wasp Command Senior Petty Officer USS Wasp James Timmerman; Rhode Island National Guard Command (RING) Sergeant Major Michael Wong and other senior commanders met with their counterparts at RBDF Base Coral Harbor in Nassau to discuss leadership and improve service interoperability, reiterated the press release. Aboard the USS Wasp, USN Navy Lieutenant Victor Cooper toured and shared best practices from the ship’s tactical operations center with members of the RBDF. USS Wasp sailors and RING soldiers also participated in community outreach activities for Nassau youth, funded by NORTHCOM, and helped provide mentoring and enhanced facilities for at-risk youth.

“We care enough to want to work hard in a relationship with [los bahameños] and that is what strengthens our bond,” said Joseph Jedding, USS Wasp’s chief specialist for religious programs.

“Since 1973, the relationship between the United States and the Bahamas has proven critical as we depend on each other to keep our waters safe and ensure regional stability,” said the Capt. From Nav. Cooper.

The USS Wasp is a multi-role ship whose primary mission is to support US Marines in combat and provide disaster relief and medical support to those in need, according to a June 28 US Navy press release. In 2023, the warship is designated to provide assistance to Caribbean nations in the event of a hurricane disaster. NORTHCOM regularly works with the RBDF and the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency to enhance disaster preparedness and response capacity.

USS Wasp, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is the 10th US Navy ship to bear the name. The first USS Wasp, commissioned in 1775, also visited the Bahamas.

NORTHCOM, by deepening military ties and expanding interoperability with the RBDF, strengthens security in the Atlantic region, which in turn enhances North America’s defense. Ties between NORTHCOM and the Bahamas also deny US strategic competitors opportunities to expand their presence and influence in the region.

“The close relationship between the United States and the Bahamas is based on democratic ideals and strong cultural ties,” said Lt. Major Roper in his speech at the ceremony. “Our two countries share a commitment to a free society, human rights and the rule of law, which underscores the importance of our strategic alliance.”

Pitts called the USS Wasp “an extraordinary symbol of alliance [entre los EE. UU. y Bahamas]”.

Hat. from Nav. Purcell echoed Pitts’ sentiments, stating that the ship is honored to visit its neighbors and regional partners.

“USS Wasp has a special relationship with the Bahamas,” said Capt. from Nav. Purcell. “Our presence stems from the history of the United States.”