U.S. Ambassador Herschel Walker Visits Andros Island

ANDROS, THE BAHAMAS – In his first official trip outside of New Providence, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas Herschel Walker paid a visit to Andros Island on Wednesday, February 18. Ambassador Walker visited the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC), met with community leaders from North and Central Andros, visited the Fresh Creek Clinic, and donated school supplies to a school in South Andros. 

“I am thrilled to be here on Andros Island for my first official trip off New Providence,” stated Ambassador Walker. “As I’ve said before, representing the United States in The Bahamas means engaging with all Bahamians. I am committed to visiting islands throughout this magnificent archipelago to strengthen the bonds between our two nations and to hear directly from Bahamians about the issues that matter most to them. This is just the beginning of my travels across The Bahamas, and I look forward to many more visits to come.” 

Ambassador Walker toured AUTEC, a critical U.S. Navy facility that serves as the premier underwater testing range for submarines, surface ships, and weapons systems. The Ambassador met with U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors stationed at the base, thanking them for their service and their contributions to national security. Ambassador Walker emphasized the strategic importance of AUTEC to U.S. defense capabilities and highlighted the facility as a cornerstone of the enduring U.S.-Bahamas partnership. He also noted the positive economic impact AUTEC has on the local Andros community through employment opportunities and infrastructure development, underscoring the mutual benefits of this longstanding bilateral cooperation. United States Embassy Nassau would like to thank the men and women of AUTEC, and the Marines and Sailors of MAG-29, HMLA-269, and HMH-464, for their support to this engagement. 

Ambassador Walker also met with Minister Leon Lundy and local leaders and entrepreneurs in Fresh Creek to learn more about the North and Central Andros communities and economic opportunities. With personnel from AUTEC and U.S. Military Group – The Bahamas, he toured the Fresh Creek Community Clinic which provides health services to Central Andros. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) donated critically needed medical equipment to the clinic in December 2025. 

In South Andros, Ambassador Walker visited Congo Town airport where he met with the community and made a donation of school supplies. The supplies will support schools in South Andros.