NASSAU, Bahamas --- The two new aircraft commissioned Monday by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will improve its reconnaissance and maritime efforts by providing surveillance over larger areas while assisting in the strategic deployment of surface crafts.

Commander of the Defence Force Commodore Clifford Scavella said the strategic placement of the aircraft at either of the Force?s Northern or Southern Commands will provide for ?concentrated and coordinated? efforts being undertaken between the air assets and the vessels at sea.

This, he said, will lead to improved interdiction and apprehension of gunrunners, drug traffickers, poachers and people smugglers, while simultaneously augmenting search and rescue efforts.

?The Royal Bahamas Defence Force has had the dual responsibility of providing both maritime and aerial reconnaissance of The Bahamas since its inception in 1978.

?This responsibility came with its challenges as it provided for the patrol of in excess of 100,000 square miles of ocean and airspace.

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