• The Flag of the Commonwealth of the Bahamasdrapeau des bahamas image by Charly from Fotolia.com
  
  The navy of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas guards the sea lanes around this island nation. Officially called the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Bahamian navy serves as the only military force in the Bahamas. Its mission encompasses national defense, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping. To fulfill this mission, the RBDF fields a fleet of approximately 30 small coastal and inshore patrol craft.
  
  

Bahamas Class

• The RBDF's two Bahamas Class offshore patrol vessels weigh 375 tons of displacement, carry a crew of 62 per ship and can reach a top speed of 24 knots. Each ship measures just under 199 feet. Power comes from three Caterpillar diesel engines producing 6,600 hp. These ships each carry four machine guns.
  
  

Protector Class

• The RBDF's single Protector Class vessel displaces 110 tons, measures 108 feet and carries a crew of 20. Three Detroit diesel engines produce 3,483 hp and a top speed of 30 knots. It also carries four machine guns.
  
  

Dauntless Class 9

• Four 40-foot Dauntless Class 9 inshore patrol craft displace 11 tons each, carry five crew members apiece and sport a pair of machine guns per vessel. Twin Evinrude outboard motors produce 450 hp and generate a top speed of 26 knots.
  
  

Challenger Class

• The RBDF's single Challenger Class vessel carries a crew of four, measures 27 feet in length and sports a machine gun for defense. Two Evinrude outboard motors produce 450 hp and enable a top speed of 26 knots.
  
  

Dauntless Class

• Two Dauntless Class vessels each measure 48 feet and are powered by Type 3176/3196/C12 Caterpillar engines. The engines allow these craft to reach 28 knots.
  
  

Inagua (Keith Nelson) Class

• The HMBS Inagua displaces 37 tons with a full load. It measures 60 feet, while a pair of Caterpillar diesel engines produce 1,070 hp and a top speed of 20 knots. This vessel carries a crew of 30 and relies on three machine guns for defense.
  
  

Vigilant Class

• Three Vigilant Class patrol craft can reach a top speed of 45 knots, thanks to twin 225 hp Yamaha engines. These vessels each carry four crew members.
  
  

Interceptors

• The RBDF fields six 43-foot Interceptors acquired through the U.S. government's Enduring Friendship Program.
  
  

Other Vessels

• The RBDF also operates five harbor patrol craft, three fast patrol craft, two rigid hull inflatable boats and one 36-foot patrol craft.
  
  

Aircraft

• The RBDF's air wing flies three aircraft for reconnaissance and maritime patrol. These fixed-wing planes include a Vulcan Air P68 Observer, a Cessna Caravan 208B and a twin-engine KingAir.