U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), conducted a five-day scheduled visit to Panama to reinforce regional security objectives, review exercise PANAMAX 2026 multinational training, and join senior leaders, including U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, for a high-level counter-cartel forum.
During the visit — his second to Panama since assuming command in February — Gen. Donovan met with Panamanian leaders to discuss shared security partnership objectives. He also visited training sites for exercise PANAMAX 2026 and joined Secretary Hegseth alongside partner nation defense and security leaders for the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) forum.
The concurrent visits by Gen. Donovan and Secretary Hegseth, combined with Panama hosting PANAMAX and the A3C forum, underscore Panama’s status as a premier regional security leader.
Gen. Donovan met with Panamanian Minister of Public Security Frank Alexis Ábrego on Aug. 12 to discuss key initiatives of the A3C aimed at defeating cartels and narco-terrorism, protecting borders, and safeguarding sovereignty. They also discussed PANAMAX 2026, a multinational exercise a multinational exercise hosted by Panama designed to strengthen partner nation capabilities to counter regional threats and safeguard the Panama Canal.
While reviewing PANAMAX operations, Gen. Donovan observed training and engaged with U.S. service members and personnel from 18 partner nations. He also joined Secretary Hegseth to visit the Jungle Operations Training Course–Panama at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón, a Panama-hosted program that strengthens regional security by ensuring U.S. forces and Panamanian security institutions can effectively survive, fight, and win in jungle domains.
Additionally, Gen. Donovan joined U.S. Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG-101) during its transit through the Panama Canal. While aboard, he met with the crew and thanked them for their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.
From Aug. 11-12, Gen. Donovan participated in the A3C forum. There, he delivered remarks and met with partner nation counterparts to discuss A3C priorities for advancing hemispheric cooperation against narco-terrorist networks. This cooperation includes expanded bilateral and multilateral efforts, such as deepening collaboration on border security, countering malign actors, and defending sovereignty throughout the Western Hemisphere.
The United States and Panama share an enduring security partnership built on mutual respect and trust. This alliance remains guided by shared values and an unwavering commitment to defeat regional threats and counter challenges that undermine hemispheric stability.