In paying a courtesy call on the Commander Defence
Force (Acting), Captain Tellis Bethel, at the Defence Force Headquarters, the Director of
Strategy, Policy and Plans at the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Rear Admiral Richard Snyder
presented Acting Lieutenant Commander (Ag/Lt/Cdr) Darren Henfield with the Master of Arts
degree in Security Studies that was awarded him by the United States Naval Postgraduate School
(NPS) upon successful completion of his studies at the school in December, 2015.
The school’s Master of Arts in Security Studies program was spread over a five quarter period,
and included the production of an in-depth research paper coupled with the requirement to pass a
number of diverse courses. The first Bahamian to obtain an academic degree from the institution,
Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield’s thesis entitled, Making the National Security Council ‘Better in The
Bahamas’ to Resolve Illegal Migration, examines the perennial national security issues of The
Bahamas and offers recommendations toward addressing the current concerns over unabated
illegal immigration from Haiti.
The course was made available under the U.S. International Military Education and Training
(IMET) Program. This program has made numerous training courses and programs available to
Officers and Marines of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force over the years, and is funded by the
American State Department through the United States Embassy in Nassau.
While attending NPS, A/Lt/Cdr Henfield was also named the 2015 recipient of the Kiwanis
Outstanding International Student Award. A/Lt/Cdr Henfield received the coveted honour, which
is presented to an international student chosen from among peers for academic standing,
achievement, and involvement in community affairs.
A 1979 graduate of Abaco Central High School, Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield is an almost 35-year
veteran of the Force—serving 17 years as enlisted marine and nearly 18 years as a commissioned
officer. He is also a duly qualified Counsel and Attorney-at- Law. Prior to going abroad, he
served nearly three years as an assistant counsel in the Office of the Attorney-General. Of note is
his stint as the assistant to the technical officer of the recent Constitution Commission.
Furthermore, Ag/Lt/Cdr Henfield has served in every major area of the Force including
operations, administration, headquarters, and training over the years. He currently serves as the
Force Inspectorate Officer at Defence Force Headquarters. His past assignments and
appointments include serving as a commissioned officer in several billets aboard Her Majesty's
Bahamian Ship Nassau, performing the duties of Regulating Petty Officer in the Administration
Department, and serving as a Training Instructor in the Training Department. Ag/Lt/Cdr
Henfield has also served as the Administration Staff Officer (S1) for the CARICOM (Caribbean
Community) battalion during the 2002 Exercise Tradewinds, and marks his participation in the
1994 United Nations Mission to Haiti among the high points of his service life.
The senior career officer and his wife of nearly thirty-one years, Deidre, the proud parents of
three sons and one granddaughter.
