U.S. Southern Command Official Website

A U.S. Air Force service member holds the American flag next to a member of Panama’s Guardia Presidencial

Aug 03 2026

Panama to host multinational PANAMAX exercise...

Panama is set to host participants from 18 partner nations, including the United States, for the PANAMAX 2026 exercise Aug. 3-13, 2026.
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U.S. Marines offload disaster assistance supplies from a Landing Craft

Jun 29 2026

Support to Venezuela Earthquake Relief

U.S. military forces are supporting Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the June 24, 2026, earthquakes.
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Three small boats are ablaze in ocean as a white coast guard ship sails in the background.

May 14 2026

Disrupting Narco-Terrorist Networks

Latest news and information on SOUTHCOM efforts to work with partners to detect, disrupt, and dismantle cartels and narco-terrorist networks.
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Apr 21 2026

New Autonomous Warfare Command

U.S. Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has directed the establishment of the SOUTHCOM Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC).
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Support to Venezuela Earthquake Relief

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma crew members conduct interdiction operations in the Gulf of America, May 8, 2026. Tahoma’s crew, alongside a deployed Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew, stopped three suspected smuggling vessels carrying narcotics during a maritime patrol approximately 90 miles off Cartagena, Colombia. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Disrupting Narco-Terrorist Networks

News

Training & Exercises | Aug. 6, 2026

Nations Come Together for PANAMAX 2026 Pre-Sail Conference

The Royal Netherlands Navy hosted the United States, Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia and Netherlands onto the HNLMS Groningen (P843) OPV, on Aug. 4, 2026, for a brief to outline for PANAMAX 2026 in a pre-sail conference.

Training & Exercises | Aug. 5, 2026

Multinational defense and security forces demonstrate united resolve at ...

Multinational defense and security forces have ramped up operations in Panama and are fully integrated and training together at PANAMAX 2026. With a primary focus on safeguarding the Panama Canal, PANAMAX includes 19 partner nations exercising their

Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere | Aug. 4, 2026

U.S. Southern Command establishes Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere

U.S. Southern Command activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) today, a purpose-built, joint task force that will synchronize U.S. military operations with allies and partners to counter threats, strengthen regional security, and

Training & Exercises | Aug. 4, 2026

U.S. 4th Fleet Hosts Multinational Forces for PANAMAX 2026

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is hosting the Combined Force Maritime Component Command (CFMCC) portion of the annual exercise PANAMAX from Aug. 3-12.Exercise PANAMAX 2026 is a U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)-sponsored exercise

Commander

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan is the Commander of U.S. Southern Command. Gen. Donovan assumed command Feb. 5, 2026

GEN. DONOVAN'S BIO

Four Imperatives

SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan has developed four imperatives to posture the U.S. military to confront the threats facing the Western Hemisphere.

Strengthen hemispheric command and control.
Impose total systemic friction on drug cartels and terrorist organizations.
Develop and field cost-effective, modernized forces tailored for the mission.
Deny adversary footholds and undue influence in the Western Hemisphere.

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Videos

Video by Sgt. Daniel Childs

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LCF-24: USS San Antonio Straddles the Caribbean Sea and Pacific in Panama

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Aug. 1, 2026 | 4:02

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), transits through the Panama Canal, Aug. 1, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities.  (U.S. Marine Corps video) 