U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians trained EOD personnel assigned to the Panamanian National Police (PNP) and National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) during Phase I of PANAMAX Alpha 25, July 6-August 9.
“As EOD technicians, we are critical enablers of freedom of movement across all domains. Whether it is on land, maritime, permissive or non-permissive, EOD clears the way,” said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Daniel Long, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2 (EODMU-2). “During PANAMAX, our platoon conducted joint underwater search and demolition training with Panamanian EOD counterparts, strengthening interoperability and partner capabilities. This engagement enhanced partner capacity and reinforced our shared commitment to ensuring the security of the Panama Canal.”
For Phase I of PANAMAX Alpha 25, SOUTHCOM led the pre-planning and coordinated logistics, and EODMU-2 led the planning and execution, sharing extensive limpet mine response knowledge and capabilities with the PNP and SENAN.
“PANAMAX is an opportunity to train EOD technicians from Panama in all aspects of EOD, furthering their expertise and effectiveness. While here we have conducted training including live demo operations, surface/improvised explosive devices, limpet search, locate mine response, and CBRN training in conjunction with the defense threat reduction agency,” said U.S. Navy Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Joel Franczak, assigned to EODMU-2. “Our goal here is to provide tactics and procedures that can enhance their force in the wide range of tasks they may come across.”
Multinational exercises like PANAMAX are a tangible representation of the agility and cooperation made possible through partnership in the dynamic security environment of the Panama Canal.
U.S. Navy EOD is the only community with underwater capabilities as a core competency, and their capabilities directly support deterrence of aggression and promote freedom of navigation and stability.
