The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War, addresses the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) over the One Main Circuit (1MC) while pier side in Panama City, Panama, Aug. 13, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, Department of War-directed operations, and the President’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking, deter malign actors and protect the homeland through continuous presence. (U.S. Navy photo)