Dominican Republic and partner nation military personnel engage simulated waterborne threats during a joint maritime security exercise aboard the Esteban Huertas vessel at Panama City, Aug. 12, 2026. The combined training strengthened coordinated response capabilities, improved interoperability among partner forces and enhanced regional readiness to protect maritime assets against evolving security threats. PANAMAX 2026 scenarios help the defense and public security forces of participating nations improve interoperability, hone their skills during scenarios involving coalition and all-domain operations, forge strong cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to and deter threats to the region and its critical waterways. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Burgess)