U.S. Sends 50 Marines for Training with Panamanian Forces

U.S. Marines Begin Training in Panama

A contingent of 50 U.S. Marines is set to start a joint training program with Panama’s military on Monday, as reported by local media.

According to a statement issued by Panama’s National Aviation and Naval Service (SENAN) on Sunday, the training will begin on January 12 and continue until February 26, 2026. It is expected that 61 Panamanian law enforcement personnel from SENAN, the Panama National Police, and the Senafront Border Agency will participate alongside the U.S. Marines.

The training sessions will be conducted at the Admiral Cristóbal Colon Naval Air Station located on Panama’s Atlantic coast, as well as at Howard’s Commander Noel Antonio Rodríguez Justavino Naval Base. SENAN emphasized that these activities will occur “with strict respect for national sovereignty.”

This exercise is framed within the context of longstanding cooperation between Panama and the United States and aims to enhance the technical and operational capabilities of Panama’s National Security Forces. The objective is to improve interoperability and professional preparedness in various operational scenarios.

The announcement coincides with preparations for the upcoming Panamax exercise, a biennial multinational command post event organized by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to bolster the security of the Panama Canal. Recently, Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego met with military officials to discuss details regarding future Panamax operations.

SENAN further noted that the training, alongside Panamax, will help strengthen national security, protect the Panama Canal, and support national interests.

In a related development back in April 2025, during Army Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Panama, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral activities between U.S. military forces and Panama’s security personnel. This agreement is expected to facilitate collaboration in areas focused on improving Panama’s security capabilities.

During a joint press conference, Secretary Hegseth indicated that the U.S. partnership with Panama encompasses several key areas, including border security to combat illegal immigration, efforts against violent cartels and criminal enterprises, and securing the Panama Canal against negative influences, particularly from China.