torpedoed.

But the base's role has expanded following the scaling down of the US Naval Annex.

It is now handling more NATO ships, particularly from America.

The developments were revealed yesterday by the base's commander, Robin Bawtree.

Last October he took over from Cdr. Tony Steiner amid uncertainty over the base's future. This followed the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, and cutting back of US and Canadian forces in Bermuda. It led to a rethink of national and NATO military assets.

But Cdr. Steiner, before the change of command ceremony, said he was pleased by the importance placed on the base by the UK Government and naval authorities.

Yesterday Cdr. Bawtree appeared as optimistic about the future of the base. He confirmed the US-UK base proposal had been killed.

Cdr. Bawtree said the idea had been talked through -- but it was felt not enough ships came to the base to make it worthwhile.

"The United States would also have wanted their own national facilities at the base,'' explained Cdr. Bawtree.

It would have been costly for new buildings and offices to be constructed for the US.

"It is really a better arrangement for both of us to retain our independence,'' he said.

He added the US tug formally at the annex would have moved to HMS Malabar. But it was now at Penno's Wharf.

Cdr. Bawtree said the reduction to "caretaker status'' of the annex had increased traffic to the base.

"We are already getting more ships here, which would have gone to the annex.'' he said.

Cdr. Bawtree said four US minesweepers came to the base last weekend.

"They were on their way to Europe to carry out an exercise. They came here for fuel.

"We also had a nuclear submarine from Norfolk, Virginia, for rest and recreation.'' Cdr. Bawtree, a qualified fighter controller, said the base, with just 14 personnel, acted as a naval agent.

It was a place where NATO ships could come for refuelling, rest and recreation, provisions, water, money, and even newspapers.

Cdr. Bawtree, who has served in the Gulf, Mediterranean, and Far East, believed Bermuda would remain of strategic importance for the foreseeable future.

He did not think the US would pull out of the Island.

This was supported by the new parallel taxiway being built at the US naval air station, which could provide an emergency runway.

A maritime patrol aircraft hangar is also under construction, although the scheme was started before the cold war ended.

Cdr. Bawtree said if war was to break out he would advise the Governor on military matters. As a colony, the United Kingdom would be responsible for its protection.

Cdr. Bawtree believed, even with independence, Bermuda may prefer to keep a British naval presence here.

In Belize, formerly British Honduras, Britain still had responsibility for defence.

Cdr. Bawtree said he was keen to attract more people to the base, and open it up to the community.

The squash court had been reopened after refurbishment, and there were plans to open two new tennis courts in the summer.