U.S. Troops Drill in Panama Canal, Boosting Strategic Reach.
Panama Canal Security: U.S. and Panamanian Forces Drill
U.S. Helicopter Arrival
- UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook touched down at Panama-Pacific Airport on Sunday.
- The drop zone was once the U.S. Howard base, now the site of Panama‑Pacific Airport.
Joint Training Objectives
Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) and U.S. Army worked together to:
- Enhance Panama’s readiness against threats to the canal’s security.
- Offer a regional model for neighboring countries facing similar risks.
Bilateral Agreement Context
The month‑ago joint exercise ran under a bilateral agreement that lets Washington use Panamanian air and naval bases for training, without establishing its own bases.
- Washington’s access has sparked protests in Panama.
- It aligns with President Donald Trump’s campaign to reclaim the canal.
Political Tensions
Trump repeatedly claims China wields excessive influence over the canal, which handles:
- About 40 % of U.S. container traffic.
- 5 % of global commerce.
In April, Trump urged “free transit” for American commercial and military ships, and warned that the canal would “not exist” without U.S. control.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino countered that toll fees are regulated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous body overseeing the trade route.
Historical Legacy
U.S. presence in Panama remains a sensitive legacy, recalling the enclave of military bases that existed before the canal was transferred to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999.
Sensitive Operations
SENAN officials announced the maneuvers will last until Friday, and will respect “national sovereignty.”
Michael Palacios noted the exercise has been held for 23 years, underscoring the canal’s enduring strategic importance.
