Fifty-one soldiers, airmen, and Marines from Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo) conducted PANAMAX Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 24-April 4.
PANAMAX Alpha is a bilateral exercise between Panama and the United States conducted by JTF-Bravo and supported by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The exercise allows both countries to work alongside each other to strengthen relationships in security, humanitarian, and logistical fields.
Members from the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Headquarters Support Company, Medical Detachment, Joint staff, and Situational Assessment Team came together to work alongside Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT), National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), the Ministry of Health (MINSA), Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Education, and Panama’s Food Marketing Institute, all supporting PANAMAX Alpha.
“Panamanian agencies were integral to the success of PANAMAX Alpha,” said U.S. Marine Corps Major Andrew Ibos, JTF-Bravo J35 operations planner. “From the earliest planning meetings, partners like SENAN, SENAFRONT, and MINSA ensured access to airfields, coordinated logistics, and supported supplies reception and distribution across remote locations. Their collaboration enabled joint humanitarian operations, ensured smooth flight operations and allowed JTF-Bravo personnel to operate effectively alongside their Panamanian counterparts.”
JTF-Bravo started off the exercise by providing four days of medical services to more than 800 people of Escobal and Sardinilla. Then, via three HH-60 Blackhawks, they transported approximately 8,165 kilograms of food donated by Panama’s Food Marketing Institute to La Esmeralda off the coast of Panama.
Additionally, they transported more than 455 kg of construction materials provided by the Ministry of Education to Mamitupu in Guna Yala Comarca to support the building of a local school.
Lastly, JTF-Bravo transported SOUTHCOM, U.S. Embassy, and SENAN leadership to Playón Chico, also in Guna Yala territory, in support of a $1.7 million health clinic donation ceremony. The clinic was donated by SOUTHCOM in collaboration with MINSA and the Panamanian government.
“The truth is that the execution, which only lasts a week and a half or two weeks, takes a whole year to plan,” said U.S. Army Major General Javier Reina, SOUTHCOM Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. “I really thank the Panamanian forces and U.S. forces who worked hard to execute this ambitious mission.”
PANAMAX Alpha Phase 0 is just the first of three phases of the PANAMAX Alpha exercise. Phase 0 focuses on providing humanitarian assistance, in turn building up relationships, trust, and operational skills needed for success in the later phases, Phase I and Phase II.
“Phase I will include unilateral collaboration with Panamanian forces, led by U.S. members featuring academic sessions, staff planning, and simulations,” said Maj. Ibos. “This will transition into Phase II, where U.S. and Panamanian forces will conduct bilateral planning and a command post exercise, with U.S. forces providing non-combat support. Each phase builds toward the overall goal of improving Panama’s ability to defend the canal, with the United States acting as a trusted and capable partner.”
By supporting SOUTHCOM’s priorities of promoting security, stability, and partnership throughout Central America, exercises such as PANAMAX Alpha allows JTF-Bravo to hone their rapid response capabilities in a real-world environment and also reinforces partnerships with partner nations such as Panama, all while improving humanitarian and disaster response readiness, and providing fundamental needs to the people of the region.
