NOTE: Translated from Spanish. See originally posted release on U.S. Embassy Panama site.
The United States and Panama will co-host the Central America Security Conference (CENTSEC), which will take place in Panama from April 8-10, 2025. Through CENTSEC, the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) seeks to promote and facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regional security partners focused on common challenges and objectives. This year's conference will focus on regional defense through joint operations and cybersecurity.
ALSO SEE: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Travel to Panama and Florida (Defense.gov)
Prior to this conference, members of the U.S. Southern Command and the Ministry of Public Security launched the Panamax training exercise, which includes medical tours, the deployment of the Playón Chico health center, and the transport of food to remote areas. This exercise has been held annually since 2003.
In addition to this conference, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security are conducting joint training with members of the Panamanian National Aeronaval Service to strengthen the capabilities and security of both countries and the region. For this training, 50 members of the U.S. Marine Corps are in Panama and will train alongside Panamanian service members.
As part of the cooperation between the two countries, the crews of four F-18 Hornets, one C-130 Hercules, one P-8 Poseidon, the ships USS Chosin and USS Normandy, and the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball will arrive in Panama.
Bilateral activities include a visit by a Marine Corps Reserve band that will perform free rock, pop, and jazz concerts open to the public in Panama City and Colón.
- Sunday, April 6: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Cathedral Square, Old Town
- Tuesday, April 8: 10:00 pm – 11:00 am at the Colón Arts and Culture Center
- Thursday, April 10: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Andrés Bello Park
All bilateral cooperation activities are authorized by the Panamanian government and are carried out with the utmost respect for the Panamanian people and Panama's sovereignty.