SANCHEZ Davis, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officer, has been given the accolade of best international cadet in his class at his graduation at the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, England.

Officer Davis, 22, puts him in the running with other international cadets to win an opportunity to return to the UK next year to receive the overall best international cadet honour at the Lord High Admiral’s ceremony.

A second RBDF officer, 25-year-old Preston J Moss, who also graduated, received an honourable mention during his training at the college.

Capt Henry Duffy, BRNC’s Commanding Officer, told the audience at the passing out parade that he is pleased with the progress of the officers. “The successful completion of their initial training here on the banks of the River Dart marks their formal transition from civilian to military officer. They have been tested, stretched and assessed in a wide range of challenges.

“In this sense, BRNC has prepared them well to continue this journey of professional and personal development and to springboard them on their way to a unique and very special career. It is a career that will, I assure you, test them to the limits at times, but one that is always wholly rewarding, exciting and respected.”

Second Secretary and Vice Consul at the Bahamas High Commission in London, Mike Guy, attended the graduation and congratulated the young men on their achievement. “It is always rewarding to see young Bahamians do well internationally. Officers Davis and Moss worked extremely hard and for the duration of their training both of them stood out on their own merit. We are extremely proud of the achievements of these young men,” he said.

The officers completed three phases of training - including militarisation and marinisation - and were required to take various exams, essays and conduct presentations.

Davis and Moss underwent aggressive sea training exercises that took them on board the HMS Bulwark and HMS Illustrious. Their Royal Navy training also involved submarine exercises and various military operations. One of the highlights in their training was participating in the commissioning of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Before graduating, the officers had met the Minister of National Security, Dr Bernard Nottage, and RBDF Commodore Roderick Bowe during their visit to Dartmouth in April, to update the officials on the progress of their Royal Navy training.

Davis and Moss begun training last week in the International Warfare Officers Foundation Course, which runs to October 31. The course trains students to be warfare officers as they learn more about navigation, boat handling, rules of the road and seamanship. They are the first Bahamians to participate in this course.