The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, meets with members aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) while pier side at Panama City, Panama Aug. 13, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Crystal Burgess)