SOCSOUTH, Regional Partners Conclude PANAMAX 2018

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

08.10.2018

Story by Maj. Cesar H. Santiago 

Special Operations Command South

Special Operations Command South hosted military personnel from the partner countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago from July 30 – Aug. 10 as part of this year’s PANAMAX in Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.

PANAMAX is an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored multinational exercise focused on ensuring the security of the Panama Canal. The annual multinational exercise provides participating forces an opportunity to conduct security and stability operations, practice interoperability, and strengthen the collaboration and ability to plan and execute complex multinational operations.

During PANAMAX 2018, SOCSOUTH served as the headquarters location for the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command (CFSOCC). The CFSOCC facilitates the coordination, command and control, plans, and processes of several SOF formations while simultaneously synchronizing special operations with conventional forces.

The two-week long exercise began with an academic overview of the functions and roles of the staff in a joint and combined operational environment. The execution of the scenarios provided a chance for the CFSOCC staff personnel to establish and perform command and control processes at the special operations component level in a challenging simulated training that addresses the interoperability and readiness of emerging and enduring partners.

“The exercise scenarios provide nations the opportunity to improve interoperability and joint efforts to counter threats posed by violent and dangerous groups, provide humanitarian relief as necessary, and maintain free and unfettered access to the Panama Canal,” said U.S. Army, Col. Brian Greata, deputy commander, SOCSOUTH.

PANAMAX first began in 2003 with three countries, Chile, Panama and the United States, and originally focused solely on the maritime security of the Panama Canal. Since that time, the exercise has grown to become the region’s largest coalition command post exercise.

Dominican Republic Army Lt. Col. Jose Guerrero, a participant of PANAMAX for the second year in a row shares what he feels was most valuable to him during this year’s exercise.

“Learning to exchange knowledge in the planning of joint and combined operations, as well as to grow with the experience we provide to each country,” said Guerrero.

For Argentine Special Forces Lt. Col. Martin Stella, the training with partner nation’s members was invaluable.

“My personal opinion was a very good exercise, we were able to understand how the strategic, operational and tactical levels work together in a multinational environment,” said Stella. “We know how our partner nations work and how the communication systems work in order to coordinate for the actions and effects in the operations environment.”

The Commanding General of Special Operations Command South U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Antonio Fletcher thanked each of the participants and nations represented, and presented a certificate of appreciation to the CFSOCC staff members during a closing ceremony.

“First I want to thank everyone for their participation and all the hard work,” said Fletcher. “I was very impressed with all the products and the staff expertise. We are all better prepared after conducting this training and I look forward to working with all you in the future.”

“An important benefit of multinational exercises like PANAMAX is the professional and personal exchanges that strengthen our bonds across the region and foster long-lasting friendships and an understanding among the partner nations, ultimately benefiting the security of the region,” said Fletcher.

• Date Taken: 08.10.2018
• Date Posted: 08.13.2018 15:14
• Story ID: 288256
• Location: HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, FL, US