Multinational Defense Forces Demonstrate United Resolve during PANAMAX 2026

PANAMAX 2026 is a multinational defense and security exercise taking place in Panama, with 19 partner nations participating. The exercise has a primary focus on safeguarding the Panama Canal and maintaining security and stability in the region. ## Exercise Control Group The nerve center of PANAMAX 2026 is the Exercise Control Group, where a small multinational operational command cell maps out, monitors, and directs exercise operations. U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Innis E. Bryant, Sr. is one of the leaders at the Exercise Control Group, and he emphasized the importance of building interoperability and countering challenges and threats in the region. According to Lt. Col. Bryant, working together with partner nations is about sharing the burden of security and demonstrating a united resolve to detect, disrupt, and defeat existing and emerging threats. ## Training and Exercises During the first two days of the 11-day exercise, several training activities have taken place. The U.S. Coast Guard provided a tour of the USCG cutter Robert Ward to Ecuadorian Navy and Panamanian Air and Naval Service (SENAN) security force members, while Ecuador provided a tour of its Esmeraldas-class missile corvette B.A.E. Loja vessel to counterparts. The Missouri National Guard conducted an informational and team-building exchange with the host nation and multiple training partners, while U.S. Marines conducted swim training with exercise partners in Arraiján. Ecuadorian marines trained in the operations of a U.S. Coast Guard small boat, and U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conducted raid training and discussed tactics in Colón. ## Enhancing Interoperability The U.S. Coast Guard also briefed multiple training partners on small boat maneuvering procedures before conducting combined on-water training at Panama City. The briefing covered personnel transfers, coming alongside procedures, and man overboard recovery drills to enhance operational proficiency, strengthen interoperability, and improve regional readiness among participants. As training continues, PANAMAX 2026 seeks to improve interoperability and strengthen collective capacity to conduct complex multinational and all-domain operations to ensure the free flow of commerce through the Panama Canal and maintain security and stability in the region.