With a glittering display of pomp and circumstance, Bermuda's only military force installed its sixth home-grown leader at the weekend.

Before a number of dignitaries including Premier Pamela Gordon, Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith and overseas representatives from various armed forces, Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge assumed the command of the Bermuda Regiment.

Despite Saturday's overcast skies, hundreds flocked to Warwick Camp to watch the Bermuda Regimental Band, Colour Party and four Guards on parade led by out-going commander Lt. Col. David Burch.

After the pageantry, Governor Thorold Masefield, Commander and Chief of the Regiment, asked Lt. Col. Burch to perform his last act as Commander of the 32-year-old force, to hand over the Sword of Command.

Mr. Masefield received the Sword of Command from Lt. Col. Burch and handed it over to Lt. Col. Outerbridge.

The Governor assured the audience that Lt. Col. Outerbridge would follow the high standards set by his predecessor and be a fine Commander.

Lt. Col. Burch told the spectators that the Regiment had provided sterling service to Bermuda and had never surrendered in its pursuit of excellence.

"The Bermuda Regiment has much more to offer this country,'' he promised.

He thanked everyone for the support he had received during his tenure and urged everyone to back his successor.

"I plan to be a great friend and supporter to the Regiment in my retirement,'' he added.

Lt. Col. Burch assumed command of the Bermuda Regiment in May 1994 from Lt.

Col. Allan Rance.

He was a reinsurance underwriter and left a manager's post with a local exempt company to join the Regiment as a full-time commanding officer.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge said he was honoured to assume command of the 679-strong force composed of both volunteers and conscripts.