The Tribune

US Ambassador Herschel Walker hosted senior Bahamian officials and Royal Bahamas Defence Force leaders aboard the USS Nimitz as the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier transited Bahamian waters, according to the US Embassy.

The visit formed part of Embassy Nassau’s Freedom 250 activities, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlighting security cooperation between The Bahamas and the United States.

The Bahamian delegation toured the ship’s navigation bridge and flight deck, watched live flight operations and observed a naval power demonstration.

Ambassador Walker was accompanied by Defence Attaché Commander Victor Lange and was welcomed aboard by Rear Admiral Cassidy “Dudley” Norman, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 11.

Bahamian officials who joined the visit included National Security Minister Miles Laroda, Energy, Utilities and Aviation Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis and RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey.

“The United States and The Bahamas aren't just friends and neighbors — we're family,” Ambassador Walker said. “The Bahamas and Caribbean are America's third border, and in many ways our first — it is where our shared security begins. This visit is a powerful reminder that Bahamian security is American security, and we are committed to protecting these waters together.”

The USS Nimitz was commissioned on May 3, 1975. According to the embassy, it is the oldest serving aircraft carrier in the world and is on its final deployment after 51 years of service.

The carrier and its strike group have been operating in the Caribbean in support of regional security.

The embassy said the visit underscored the long-running security partnership between The Bahamas and the United States, including joint counternarcotics operations, maritime security cooperation through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the 20-year partnership between the Rhode Island National Guard and the RBDF.

The embassy said the United States provides about $13m annually in programming, training, equipment and other support to strengthen the RBDF.

The visit also reflected Embassy Nassau’s stated priorities under Ambassador Walker, including protecting Americans abroad, securing shared borders and strengthening the relationship between The Bahamas and the United States.