WATCH: Hegseth, Panama Security Minister Brief Media
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Panama’s Public Security Minister Frank Abrego brief the media in Panama City, April 9, 2025.
Press Conference Transcript | News Article
Coast Guard Seizes $510M of Illicit Drugs in Eastern Pacific Ocean
The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million at Port Everglades, on April 9, 2025.
WATCH: Hegseth Addresses Central American Defense & Security Leaders at CENTSEC 25 in Panama
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks during the 2025 Central American Security Conference in Panama City, Panama, April 9, 2025.
CENTSEC Remarks Transcript
SECDEF Hegseth Meets with President of Panama
Joint statement between President Mulino, Panama Canal Authority Administrator, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following April 8th, 2025 bilateral meeting.
United States and Panama expand security cooperation
SOUTHCOM Commander Testifies Before the House Armed Services Committee
Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey joined Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, Rafael F. Leonardo, and Robert G. Salesses for testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, April 1, 2025.

LATEST NEWS AND RELEASES

Hegseth Welcomes Salvadoran Counterpart, Praises Relationship Between Countries
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth greets Salvadoran Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy before a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, April 16, 2025.
April 16, 2025 - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Salvadoran Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy to the Pentagon as part of a bilateral engagement in which the secretary praised the bond shared between the two countries.
UNITAS 2025 Mid Planning Conference Concludes
250407-N-OC941-4089 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Florida - (Apr. 7, 2025) – Led by Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, more than 100 Sailors, Marines, and civilians gathered onboard Naval Station Mayport in support of the UNITAS 2025 Mid-Planning Conference. This year’s UNITAS, scheduled for September, is the longest-running, multinational maritime exercise in the world. UNITAS 2025 will combine the efforts of Allies and Partners from across the globe and serve as the warfighting introduction to Navy 250 – the U.S. Navy’s year-long birthday celebration. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security, and stability. (U.S. Navy illustration by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Fischer/Released)
April 11, 2025 - JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet completed the UNITAS 2025 mid planning conference on board Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Apr. 7-11. Held virtually and in-person, the conference brought together commands from the U.S. and partner nations to plan for UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise.
USS Chosin supports Central American Security Conference 2025
U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, boards the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Chosin (CG 65) for a reception night, Panama, April 7, 2025. U.S. Southern Command and the Panamanian security forces collaborate to ensure and maintain regional stability during natural disasters, medical catastrophes or regional conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
April 11, 2025 - U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander, U.S. Southern Command, and John M. Barrett, Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Panama, co-hosted a reception for Panamanian government officials and foreign dignitaries aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) during a port visit to Panama Apr. 7, opening the Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC 2025). CENTSEC is a week of international joint operations and training, to promote and facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regional security partners focused on common challenges and objectives.
USNS Comfort to visit SOUTHCOM Region; Ship to support Continuing Promise 2025 Mission
190630-N-IA905-1077 MANTA, Ecuador (June 30, 2019) The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is moored in the port of Manta, Euador. Comfort is working with health and government partners in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean to provide care on the ship and at land-based medical sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems strained by an increase in Venezuelan migrants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Morgan K. Nall/Released)
April 11, 2025 - PANAMA CITY, Panama – (Apr. 10, 2025) – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced April 9 that a U.S. Navy hospital ship, the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), will deploy in support of Continuing Promise 2025 later this year.
Hegseth Says U.S. Partnering With Panama to Secure Canal, Deter China
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provides opening remarks at the Central American Security Conference in Panama City, April 9, 2025.
April 9, 2025 - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an expanded partnership between the U.S. and Panama to secure the Panama Canal in order to counter "China's maligned influence" in the region.
Coast Guard offloads nearly $510 million in illegal narcotics interdicted in Eastern Pacific Ocean
Coast Guard Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, Atlantic Area commander, speaks at a press conference in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
April 9, 2025 - MIAMI – The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, Wednesday. 
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More than 100 Sailors, Marines, and civilians gathered onboard Naval Station Mayport in support of the UNITAS 2025 Mid-Planning Conference. This year’s UNITAS, scheduled for September, is the longest-running, multinational maritime exercise in the world. UNITAS 2025 will combine the efforts of Allies and Partners from across the globe and serve as the warfighting introduction to Navy 250 – the U.S. Navy’s year-long birthday celebration. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security, and stability.
Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, provides operational guidance to the more than 100 Sailors, Marines, and civilians gathered onboard Naval Station Mayport in support of the UNITAS 2025 Mid-Planning Conference. This year’s UNITAS, scheduled for September, is the longest-running, multinational maritime exercise in the world. UNITAS 2025 will combine the efforts of Allies and Partners from across the globe and serve as the warfighting introduction to Navy 250 – the U.S. Navy’s year-long birthday celebration. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security, and stability.
U.S. Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, boards the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, USS Chosin (CG 65) for a reception night, Panama, April 7, 2025. U.S. Southern Command and the Panamanian security forces collaborate to ensure and maintain regional stability during natural disasters, medical catastrophes or regional conflicts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
Coast Guard Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, Atlantic Area commander, speaks at a press conference in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
Crewmembers from Coast Guard Cutter James offload bales of interdicted narcotics in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. James’ crew offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
A crewmember from Coast Guard Cutter James prepares to offload a pallet of illegal narcotics in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. James’ crew offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
Bales of illegal narcotics are offloaded by crewmembers of Coast Guard Cutter James in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. James’ crew offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
A crew member from Coast Guard Cutter James wraps a pallet of illegal narcotics in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. James’ crew offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
A crew member from Coast Guard Cutter James assists in offloading illegal narcotics in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. James’ crew offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million intercepted in the international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker)
Suspected drug smugglers sit at the front of their vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan 6. 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Suspected drug smugglers sit at the front of their vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 6, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James law enforcement officer speak with suspected smugglers in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 30, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James law enforcement officers speak to suspected drug smugglers in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 18, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James law enforcement officers boarded a low profile suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 7, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James crew member pose for a photo with international partners in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Feb. 3, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
A Coast Guard Cutter James gunner sets fire to a suspected drug smuggling vessel after the suspected smugglers and drugs are on the ship in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Feb. 1, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Interdicted drugs are staged on Coast Guard Cutter James in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Feb. 15, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
A suspected drug vessel burns in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Feb. 1, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James law enforcement officers board a low profile vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 7, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
An interdicted drug vessel is set on fire in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 6, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
The embarked Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew poses for a photo on the flight deck of cutter James, Jan. 11, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guard Cutter James' law enforcement boat crew interdicts a low profile suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 7, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Jettisoned bales of illegal narcotics float in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Jan. 6, 2025. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter James offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades, April 9, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Two men in blue suits sitting opposite a small table laugh during a meeting
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to a group of Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C and F/A18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, arrive at the Panamá Pacífico Airfield, Panama, April 5, 2025. VMFA-312 continues day to day operations during a short-term visit in support of an expanded strategic security partnership with Panama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
A U.S. Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, is guided by a Panamanian civilian contractor at the Panamá Pacífico Airfield, Panama, April 5, 2025. 4th MAW transports personnel in support of an expanded community relationship between the U.S. and Panama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Garrett Maurer, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, inspects an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at the Panamá Pacífico Airfield, Panama, April 5, 2025. VMFA-312 continues day to day operations during a short-term visit in support of an expanded strategic security partnership with Panama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
The Marine Forces Reserve Band, arrives to Panama to support expanded security and community relationship efforts, April 5, 2025. The Marine Forces Reserve Band will be performing throughout the week. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
A U.S. Marine Corps C-40A aircraft with Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) 1, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, is guided by a Panamanian civilian contractor at the Panamá Pacífico Airfield, Panama, April 5, 2025. 4th MAW transports personnel in support of an expanded security and community relationship efforts between the U.S. and Panama. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Javier Reina, U.S. Southern Command Deputy Commander for Mobilization & Reserve Affairs, speaks during a health clinic donation ceremony in Guna Yala, Panama, April 1, 2025.
U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Embassy and Joint Task Force-Bravo members visit a newly donated health clinic in Guna Yala, Panama during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0, April 1, 2025.
U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Vazquez, Joint Task Force-Bravo Headquarters Support Company sling load inspector, loads construction material into a HH-60 Blackhawk during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 29, 2025.
U.S. Army Joint Task Force-Bravo Headquarters Support Company Soldiers hook up cargo containing construction material to a HH-60 Blackhawk during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 29, 2025.
A Joint Task Force-Bravo HH-60 Blackhawk carries construction material during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 29, 2025.
Members of Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Detachment pose for a photo with children from Sardinilla during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 27, 2025.
Locals of La Esmeralda off the coast of Panama load food into a truck during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 28, 2025.
Locals of La Esmeralda off the coast of Panama load food into a truck during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 28, 2025.
U.S. Army Joint Task Force-Bravo Headquarters Support Company Soldiers prepare food to be hoisted up by a HH-60 Blackhawk during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 28, 2025.
A member of Joint Task Force-Bravo Medical Detachment gathers vitals of a patient during PANAMAX-Alpha Phase 0 in Panama, March 26, 2025.
World War II 80th Reunion of Honor Veterans render a salute to honor the lives lost in the Battle of Iwo Jima during the 80th Battle of Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor Ceremony in Iwo Jima, Japan, March 29, 2025.
Graphic with photo of a posing man in black navy uniform
U.S. Air Force Reserve Citizen Airmen from the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission interact with local school children at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
Members of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission pose for a group photo at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bates, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron (AMDS) dentist, left, and Senior Airman Joshua Antonio Moreno, 433rd AMDS dental technician, right, prepare toothpaste for a teeth cleaning procedure during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Antonio Moreno, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron dental technician, right, holds a young patient’s hand for comfort while assisting U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bates, 433rd AMDS dentist, with a teeth cleaning procedure during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Phan, a biomedical equipment technician with the 628th Healthcare Operations Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, ensures dental equipment is operational during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
A young island resident smiles for a photo as he holds a dental hygiene kit provided by U.S. Air Force dental personnel during the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025 mission at Celina Clouden Smart Hospital, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, March 20, 2025.
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) conducts a passing exercise with Guyana Defense Force Defiant-class patrol ship GDSF Shahoud in the Caribbean Sea, March 27, 2025. Normandy is scheduled to protect U.S. interests in the region and strengthen maritime partnerships through bilateral and multinational maritime operations and Theater Security Cooperation port visits. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces, leading to improved unity, security, and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dylan M. Kinee/Released)
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) conducts a passing exercise with Guyana Defense Force Defiant-class patrol ship GDSF Shahoud in the Caribbean Sea, March 27, 2025. Normandy is scheduled to protect U.S. interests in the region and strengthen maritime partnerships through bilateral and multinational maritime operations and Theater Security Cooperation port visits. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime component of U.S. Southern Command and the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces, leading to improved unity, security, and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dylan M. Kinee/Released)

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Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey is the commander of U.S. Southern Command. He assumed command Nov. 7, 2024.

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