Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Amy Forsythe | PANAMA CITY, Panama - A Member of the Panamanian Security Forces climb aboard a vessel...... read more read more
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PANAMA CITY, Panama - Members of the Panamanian Security Forces conduct a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) tactical training event as part of PANAMAX-ALPHA 2025 off the coast of Panama City, Panama, Aug. 7, 2025.
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.
The 3-hour evolution was the culminating event for this phase of PANAMAX-ALPHA. It also included the use of aerial drones for increased visibility, military working dogs, underwater divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians.
SOF personnel from Naval Special Warfare Group ELEVEN, based at Coronado, California, and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWO based at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, provided expertise, mentorship, and joint training with Panamanian security teams throughout the two-week evolution.
Through combined operations, participating forces refine tactics, build trust, and strengthen regional security cooperation to safeguard the Panama Canal, one of the most strategic maritime routes in the world.
“The Panamanian Security Force’s performance in terms of capability, qualifications, and ownership of the exercise reflects growing professionalism, strong institutional investment, and a clear assertion of national leadership” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Innis E. Bryant, Chief, Joint Exercises Branch for U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) based in Doral, Florida.
PANAMAX-ALPHA serves as a cornerstone of SOUTHCOM’s integrated deterrence strategy. It’s designed to strengthen Panama’s ability to counter illicit trafficking and maritime threats while enhancing interoperability with regional security forces. This exercise aligns with broader U.S. national defense objectives—building trust, enhancing readiness, and preserving freedom of navigation in the hemisphere.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2025 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 545380 |
| Location: | PANAMA CITY, PA |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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