soon to be released by the United States Navy.

And new commanding officer Lt. Col. David Burch says the Regiment would be foolish not to consider a move to the US Naval Annex in Sandys.

Lt. Col. Burch is expecting an exciting baptism after taking over from Lt.

Col. Allan Rance on Saturday.

He takes control as the Regiment is now looking at changes influenced by the closure of the Royal Navy and United States Navy bases and the possibility of Independence.

He said: "It is an exciting time. It will not be boring, but I have inherited command at the best time for the Regiment for a long time. It is in excellent shape.'' Concerning the departure of US forces from the Island, Lt. Col. Burch agreed there would be some changes in the new role of the Bermuda Regiment.

But the major change may come with the availability of land at the US Naval Annex. He said: "At this stage of the game we cannot say whether there will be a move from Warwick Camp.

"But when 10 percent of the land mass of the Island become available it is only right that we look at it. It would be useful for training purposes to have that amount of land.

"It is obviously the Government's decision and we are comfortable at Warwick Camp. But we would be less than fair to the people of Bermuda if we did not look seriously at the land that is becoming available.'' Lt. Col. Burch said he could not see the direction of the Regiment changing very much unless there was independence. He said: "That would mean a dramatic change, in terms of our operations and our roles. Especially if we look at other countries that have become independent.'' On the other hand, departing commanding officer Lt. Col. Rance believes there would be little changes in the way the Regiment is run if the Country goes to Independence.

He also sees little change in the way the role of the Regiment when the bases close down in 1995. However he did envisage some increase in helping the Police, fire service and air/sea rescue in emergencies.

Lt. Col. Rance said it would be difficult for him to leave the Regiment and praised the way it continues to a service to the community. He said: "Young people ought to be proud to serve in the Bermuda Regiment. After a little apprehension at first, recruits are normally proud to serve Four previous commanding officers were present at the change-of-command ceremony at Warwick Camp -- Lt. Col. Craigin Curtis, Col. Michael Darling, Lt. Col. Eugene Raynor and Lt. Col. Gavin Shorto.

The Governor Lord Waddington received the sword of command from Lt. Col. Rance and handed it over to Lt. Col. Burch.

Lord Waddington said: "The Regiment is something of which the people of Bermuda can be proud today, as a result of the leadership of successive commanding officers over the years.

"Lt. Col. Rance was heir to the fine traditions set up by his predecessors and that is the same for Lt. Col. Burch.'' A surprise award was made to the departing and new commanding officers by Jamaican Justice of the Peace Mrs. Hazel Dalley, for their work in Jamaica.

Mrs. Dalley was one of a number of dignitaries including the Premier the Hon.

Sir John Swan, Opposition Leader Mr. Frederick Wade and overseas representatives, with a large Canadian contingent.

Lt. Col. Rance assumed command of the Bermuda Regiment in November 1990, serving as a conscripted recruit in January 1976.

He held a number of appointments including Officer Commanding Support Company and A Company. He undertook a number of support duties including a feasibility study on a full-time Regiment Band.

Lt. Col. Burch, was born in Somerset in April 1954. He was educated at West End and Sandys Secondary Schools during which time he became active in the Youth Parliament, the Sea Cadets and the National Trust. He is a reinsurance underwriter by profession, leaving a manager's post with a local exempt company to join the Regiment as a full-time commanding officer.

Lt. Col. Burch joined in 1977 and was commissioned in 1980, serving as Platoon Commander, Officer commanding B company and, since 1990, Second-In-Command.

He has participated in training overseas in Jamaica, Canada, Belize and America.