To Protect the Panama Canal, Panamax 2026 Brings Together Seven Countries for Maneuvers
The Panamax 2026 tasks were organized into two task forces, one in the Pacific Ocean and the other in the Caribbean Sea.
Naval units from Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, and the Dominican Republic are participating in the Panamax 2026 maritime exercises, aimed at strengthening the defense of the Panama Canal, interoperability between allied forces, and regional maritime security. The units were organized into two task forces, one in the Pacific Ocean and the other in the Caribbean Sea, from where they will simultaneously carry out patrol maneuvers, maritime interdiction and protection of strategic routes.
Task Force Distribution
- Pacific Task Force: The following will operate: the patrol vessel CGC Robert Ward, of the United States Coast Guard; the patrol boats L-306 Taboga and P-301 Panquiaco, of the National Air and Naval Service of Panama; the coastal patrol vessel Isla Gorgona, of the Colombian Navy; the patrol vessel ARM Jalisco, of the Mexican Navy; and the vessel BAE Loja, of the Ecuadorian Navy.
- Caribbean Task Force: Participating will be the offshore patrol vessel HNLMS Groningen, of the Royal Netherlands Navy; the patrol boat GC-112 Altair, of the Dominican Republic Navy; the patrol boat P-230 Los Santos, of the National Air and Naval Service of Panama; and the frigate ARC Caldas (FM-52), of the Colombian Navy.
