Medical teams from Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA), Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo), and the Missouri National Guard worked side by side during PANAMAX 2026 to strengthen medical readiness and interoperability while providing healthcare services to communities in Colón, Panama.
The Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE), held August 4-7 at Altos de los Lagos School combined hands-on medical training with support to the local population. MINSA mobilized more than 100 personnel, including administrative professionals and medical providers, in support of the event.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to work alongside our Panamanian partners during this MEDRETE,” said U.S. Army Captain 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.”
These personnel, consisting of medical providers from MINSA, JTF-Bravo, and Panama’s U.S. state partner, the Missouri National Guard, worked in lockstep to provide medical services to the community of Colón while improving shared skills and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Panama. Planning for the MEDRETE started months before the exercise; U.S. and Panamanian partners identified the location with the greatest need and infrastructure to support such a large mission.
“Working with our Panamanian partners has been a truly rewarding and humbling experience,” said Captain Raymond Rodriguez, U.S. 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.”
During the MEDRETE, patients could access several services: basic check-ups, vaccinations, dental, family medicine, pediatrics, nutrition planning, and a pharmacy. Not only were the local community’s healthcare needs met, but it was also an opportunity for participating forces to gain more medical experience in a real-world environment.
On the second day, the MEDRETE also welcomed several leaders from the U.S. and Panama, including: U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera; Panama’s Health Minister Doctor Fernando Boyd Galindo; U.S. Army Major General Charles Hausman, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General; and Provincial Governor of Colón Julio Hernández.
“With bilateral exchanges like this MEDRETE, 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 Maj. Gen. 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 medical treatments, interacted with medical providers and service members, and engaged with the local community to understand the impact of their shared mission. Their presence highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration to strengthen the region and to provide care for communities across it.
“JTF-Bravo has a long history of delivering humanitarian support and healthcare services to communities throughout the Central American region,” said U.S. Army Colonel David Webb, JTF-Bravo commander. “These types of events build readiness and strengthen partnerships to prepare for future combined operations.”
More than just a mobile clinic, the MEDRETE was a welcoming place of community and joy. While parents received vital healthcare, their children played soccer with U.S. service members and received temporary tattoos and face paint, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere for the whole community.
Over the course of three days, the MEDRETE served more than 780 patients, underscoring both the demand for medical services and the effectiveness of the bilateral partnership. The MEDRETE was one of many events throughout PANAMAX 26 that demonstrated the importance of improving interoperability and strengthening the collective capacity of partner nations to conduct multinational and all-domain operations for the security and stability of the region.
