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U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), headquartered in Homestead, Florida, is the lead coordinating command for all U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements participating in PANAMAX-Alpha 2025.
“SOF personnel from multiple U.S. units have augmented the training team with specialized tactical and operational capabilities. Their contributions support a high-quality training environment to assist in delivering a top-notch training experience for our Panamanian partners,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daymian Hale, lead planner for SOCSOUTH.
Close Proximity and Regional Alignment for Tactical Training
SOCSOUTH is responsible for integrating special operations training to ensure effective command and control and to synchronize objectives across all participating units. Their leadership ensures seamless bilateral collaboration among U.S. and Panamanian forces in complex operational environments.
American SOF personnel from multiple U.S. units have been working closely with the Panamanian National Border Service (SENAFRONT), the National Aeronaval Service, and the National Police to provide direct mentorship, hands-on training, and strategic guidance to enhance response capabilities to emerging threats.
U.S. Army Green Berets, U.S. Navy SEALs, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians have facilitated specialized training in small unit tactics, maritime interdiction, intelligence sharing, and mission planning, Hale explained. The emphasis is on empowering Panama’s forces to conduct operations in complex scenarios while operating alongside allied units in a combined environment.
Participating U.S. Units:
• Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN, Coronado, California
• Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWO, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia
• U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team, Chesapeake, Virginia
Key Training Objectives of PANAMAX-Alpha:
Operational and tactical training is centered on enhancing security and defense of the Panama Canal, improving interoperability between the U.S. and Panamanian forces. This exercise simulates real-world challenges and is structured to train forces across a wide spectrum of military and humanitarian operations related to:
• Defense of the Panama Canal
• Strengthen regional partnerships
• Enhance bilateral interoperability
• Counter threat networks
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster response
• Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection
Continued Partnership and Regional Security Cooperation
PANAMAX-Alpha 2025 underscores the United States’ commitment to regional stability in the Western Hemisphere and the strategic importance of the Panama Canal. “By conducting combined training with Panamanian security forces, U.S. SOF personnel contribute to long-term regional defense cooperation and mutual readiness,” Hale added.
The event is nested under a larger multinational training effort called PANAMAX, which launched in 2003 and includes humanitarian assistance and disaster response components. These engagements strengthen interoperability and align operational practices across regional partners.
Collaboration between American SOF and Panamanian forces continues to highlight the strength of international military partnerships and the shared goal of maintaining peace, security, and freedom of movement throughout Central and South America.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2025 17:38 |
| Story ID: | 545122 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, PA |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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