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Joint Task Force-Bravo and Panama’s Ministerio de Salud hosted a Medical Readiness Training Exercise from Aug. 4–7 at Escuela Altos de los Lagos in Colón, Panama, during the Panamanian-led multinational exercise PANAMAX 2026.
The event followed months of planning and coordination with partner agencies. MINSA mobilized more than 100 personnel, including administrative professionals and medical providers, to support the mission. “We are honored to have the opportunity to work alongside our Panamanian partners during this MEDRETE,” said U.S. Army Capt. Payton Lopez, JTF-Bravo lead medical planner. “The ability to collaborate directly within their local communities makes this experience even more meaningful and impactful, allowing us to strengthen relationships while supporting shared goals. This is what PANAMAX is all about: strengthening our interoperability and readiness.”
Medical providers from MINSA, JTF-Bravo and Panama’s U.S. state partner, the Missouri National Guard, worked together to deliver care in Colón while improving shared skills and reinforcing the long-standing U.S.-Panama partnership. Planning identified a location with both high need and sufficient infrastructure to support the mission. “Working with our Panamanian partners has been a truly rewarding and humbling experience,” said Capt. Raymond Rodriguez, Army Forces Battalion Civil Affairs Team 4363 team chief. “Throughout mission planning and coordination, we continuously shared knowledge, learned from each other’s experiences, and built a stronger foundation for success. It has been an honor to work together in service of the people of Panama.”
Patients could access basic check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, family medicine, pediatrics, nutrition planning, and a pharmacy. The effort met local healthcare needs while providing participating forces real-world medical experience.
On the second day, the exercise welcomed several leaders from the United States and Panama, including U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera; Doctor Fernando Boyd Galindo, Ministro de Salud de Panamá; Maj. Gen. Charles Hausman, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General; and the Provincial Governor of Colón, Julio Hernández. “With bilateral exchanges like this MEDERETE, our Missouri Guard Soldiers and Airmen gain invaluable experience working alongside their Panamanian counterparts, strengthening the skills, adaptability and interoperability that are essential to mission readiness,” said Hausman. “As we celebrate 30 years of partnership with the Republic of Panama through the State Partnership Program, exercises like this highlight the enduring value of our relationship.”
During their visit, leaders observed treatments, interacted with medical providers and service members, and engaged with the community. “JTF-Bravo has a long history of delivering humanitarian support and healthcare services to communities throughout the Central American region,” said Col. David Webb, JTF-Bravo commander. “These types of events build readiness and strengthen partnerships to prepare for future combined operations.”
Beyond clinical services, the site fostered a welcoming atmosphere. While parents received care, children played soccer with U.S. service members and enjoyed temporary tattoos and face paint. Over three days, the MEDRETE served more than 780 patients. The effort was one of several during PANAMAX 2026 focused on improving interoperability and strengthening the collective capacity of partner nations to conduct multinational and all-domain operations for regional security and stability.
