United States
Australia
United Kingdom
Europe
New Zealand
Canada
A multinational naval staff is set to convene for PANAMAX 2026, bringing together more than 150 Sailors, Marines, and public security forces from 19 nations under the command of U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, who leads USNAVSOUTH. The exercise centers on safeguarding the Panama Canal and advancing combined command-and-control across the region.
“Securing the Western Hemisphere requires seamless cooperation and a unified effort between partner nations,” said Sardiello. “PANAMAX strengthens effective hemispheric command and control so that our combined forces can effectively secure strategic key terrain like the Panama Canal. Safeguarding this maritime crossroads is not just a regional defense priority, but a cornerstone of global economic stability.”
This year’s iteration is structured around stability operations tied to a fictitious United Nations Security Council resolution. The focus is intensive interoperability training for a multinational staff and building partner capacity to plan and carry out complex missions.
“PANAMAX 2026 is an unparalleled opportunity for partner nations to sharpen their tactical edge and deepen interoperability,” said Mr. Patrick Cooper, Lead Planner for PANAMAX 2026. “This exercise rigorously tests our integration, ensuring our combined forces are fully prepared for any future shared endeavors. In addition to the operational gains, the personal connections made among our partners in the AOR will pay dividends for a generation.”
The command-post exercise features scripted, event-driven scenarios designed to maximize joint effectiveness, including efforts to align technology standards and harmonize shared operating procedures.
Launched in 2003 with Chile, Panama, and the United States focused on maritime security of the canal, PANAMAX has expanded into the region’s largest coalition command post exercise, oriented on protecting one of the world’s most strategically and economically vital infrastructure assets.
As host for the Joint Force Maritime Component Command, USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet supports SOUTHCOM’s joint and combined operations. Through cooperative maritime security efforts, the command seeks to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
