A visit to Bermuda by the head of British Defence Staff in the US (BDSUS) allowed the Royal Bermuda Regiment to provide updates on its recent progress and explore ways in which the battalion can be further supported by the UK.
Rear Admiral Tim Woods, CBE, was on the island last month, when he was hosted by His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, with whom he has an official role as defence advisor.
As Defence Attaché (DA) at the British Embassy in Washington, R Adm Woods serves as a representative of the UK defence establishment in the US. He is responsible for bilateral military and defence relations.
His visit to Bermuda allowed formal meetings with the Governor and the RBR Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, both of whom have assumed their positions since the head of BDSUS was last on the island in 2023.
It presented opportunities for the regiment to update R Adm Woods on progress over the past year and discuss how BDSUS and the UK Ministry of Defence can support the battalion’s training and procurement.
The visit also allowed the RBR to explore ways in which capacity can be created within the organisation to prepare for the Security and Defence Review announced in the 2025 Throne Speech.
Lt Col Simons said: “These visits are an important opportunity to strengthen ties with the UK MOD and to talk through the challenges and opportunities the RBR faces as a small unit.
“We have made real progress to create a mechanism for logistical support and we are working to expand the provision of training available to RBR soldiers in the UK.
“The upcoming Security and Defence Review, which was announced in the Throne Speech last month, is a fantastic opportunity for the RBR and Bermuda to take a holistic approach to security and defence, and the visit highlighted ways the UK can support the regiment in this exercise.”
The DA and accompanying staff visited Warwick Camp as well as the RBR Coast Guard base at Scenic House, Sandys.
His Excellency said, “The visit provided an excellent opportunity to nurture the Regiment’s relationship with the UK MoD.
“The British Defence staff in Washington received excellent briefings, and the surrounding discussions were wide-ranging and identified concrete ways the UK can support the RBR’s activities. This will include its preparation for, and engagement with, the refresh of the 2014 Security and Defence Review.”
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