Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Rear Adm. John Vann salutes the American flag before boarding the USCGC Sentinel-class Robert Ward (WPC-1130) for a tour in Panama, Aug. 12, 2026. PANAMAX 2026 seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen collective capacity to conduct complex multinational and all-domain operations to ensure free flow of commerce through the Panama Canal and maintain security and stability in the region. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Kirk)