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Abrego, who served in the Panamanian National Police Force, graduated from WHINSEC in 2006. His connection to the PANAMAX exercise and support elements is closely tied to his own professional career in law enforcement and security forces.
U.S. Army Maj. John Cappiello, lead WHINSEC planner for the exercise, met with Abrego after the rehearsal drill to ask him about his time at WHINSEC and how it shaped his career. Abrego shared
that his year-long attendance at the Georgia-based institute helped expand his knowledge of American forces train officers to think strategically, operationally and tactically.
WHINSEC personnel provided instruction, training and coaching for 29 Panamanian security forces with a focus on Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), troop leading procedures, interagency communications, and scenario development to enhance Panama's strategic and tactical capabilities.
The Panama Canal is an important global commercial shipping lane. The U.S. cooperates with the Panamanian government in promoting economic, political, security, and social development, supported by U.S. and international agencies. Cultural ties between the countries remain strong and many Panamanians travel to the U.S. for higher education and advanced training.
A Strategic Investment in Regional Stability
PANAMAX-Alpha 2025 showcased the operational unity, trust, and shared values that underpin the U.S.-Panama relationship. From medical outreach to rapid response simulations, each phase built upon decades of cooperation aimed at maintaining the Panama Canal as a neutral and resilient global trade artery.
PANAMAX-Alpha remains a cornerstone of a unique partnership and strategy—blending diplomacy, defense, and disaster preparedness in one of the most geopolitically significant locations in the world.
The larger exercise titled “Panamax” began in 2003 and is designed to enhance interagency coordination among participating nations and their ability to conduct multinational operations, particularly to defend the Panama Canal.
PANAMAX-Alpha serves as a cornerstone of U.S. Southern Command’s integrated deterrence strategy. The exercise also aligns with broader U.S. national defense objectives by building trust, enhancing readiness, and preserving freedom of navigation in the hemisphere.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2025 17:38 |
| Story ID: | 545120 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, PA |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, U.S. Army Strengthens Panama Canal Defense and Regional Partnerships, by LCDR Amy Forsythe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
