U.S. Special Operations Forces Train with Panamanian Security Forces During PANAMAX-Alpha 2025 [Image 2 of 11]

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

08.07.2025

Photo by Lt.Cmdr. Amy Forsythe 

Special Operations Command South

PANAMA CITY, Panama, (July 29) – A Panamanian Security Forces member practices climbing a wall tower using a collapsible assault ladder as a part of PANAMAX Alpha, a bilateral training exercise in Panama July 29, 2025.

U.S. Navy SEALs from Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN based in Coronado, California, provided training expertise and assessments throughout the exercise where a portion focused on maritime security and interagency planning and coordination. Participants learned how to employ these ladders for stealthy maritime interdictions, particularly when boarding non-compliant or hostile vessels where speed, surprise, and agility are critical.

U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), headquartered in Homestead, Florida, is the lead coordinating command for all U.S. SOF elements participating in PANAMAX-Alpha 2025.

PANAMAX Alpha is an annual bilateral exercise between the Republic of Panama and the United States, organized through U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). It serves as the preparatory phase for the larger biennial multilateral PANAMAX exercise, which focuses on protecting the Panama Canal and surrounding region.

Collaboration between American SOF and Panamanian forces continue to highlight the strength of international military partnerships and the shared goal of maintaining peace, security, and freedom of movement throughout Central and South America. (Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Amy Forsythe, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs)

• Date Taken: 08.07.2025
• Date Posted: 08.08.2025 14:56
• Photo ID: 9244807
• VIRIN: 250807-N-AW818-4367
• Resolution: 2903x3540
• Size: 2.8 MB
• Location: PANAMA CITY, PA