NASSAU, Bahamas — The United States Naval Warship USS Stout made an official visit to Nassau on Friday, June 14, 2019. In a post on its Facebook page, the United States Embassy Nassau noted that a “reception was held on board the vessel to serve as an opportunity to bolster the strong bilateral ties between The Bahamas and the United States, particularly in the areas of border and maritime security.”
Those “strong bilateral ties” were highlighted by Admiral Christopher Grady, Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC), in his brief remarks at the reception, during which he underscored the importance of the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), the U.S. Navy’s underwater testing center in Central Andros.
Describing the AUTEC project as “unique,” Admiral Grady said it is “truly one of the crown jewels that supports our Navy.”
Stephanie L. Bowers, Charge d’Affaires a.i. at U.S. Embassy Nassau, also emphasized the strong bilateral ties between the United States and The Bahamas, mentioning the success of joint efforts between the two countries over the past year.
She specifically noted that in April the United States inaugurated a Maritime Surveillance Radar system in Inagua and within the next year will install a second at the Coral Harbour Base in New Providence. She also announced that approval has been received to install a to install a third Maritime Surveillance system in Exuma.
Minister of National Security Marvin Dames also delivered brief remarks at the reception, which was attended by Senior U.S. and Bahamian government officials.
