As part of the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Panama, it was previously confirmed that F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters from the U.S. Marine Corps also arrived in the Central American country to begin a series of combined exercises with Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN).
Over the past few days, U.S. Armed Forces personnel and media have been conducting a series of activities alongside Panamanian government agencies and services. Known as PANAMAX-Alpha, these are bilateral exercises focused on delivering medical and humanitarian aid to various localities across the country, including Escobal, Sardinilla, La Esmeralda, and Guna Yala.
Through the deployment of three HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, the transport of medical services, food, and construction materials to these areas was confirmed.
This initial phase of the deployment featured the joint work of personnel and assets from the “…1-228th Aviation Regiment, Headquarters Support Company, the Medical Detachment, the Joint Staff, and the Situational Assessment Team,” who collaborated with Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT), the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Education, and the Agricultural Marketing Institute—all in support of PANAMAX-Alpha, as recently detailed by U.S. Southern Command.
Subsequently, focusing on joint activities between U.S. military forces and SENAN, it was confirmed that on April 5, a detachment of F/A-18C/D Marine Corps fighter aircraft arrived at the Panamá Pacífico airfield, in Panama City, with the purpose of launching a series of activities aimed at strengthening cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.
The fighter aircraft belong to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312) “Checkerboards,” part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina.
However, the Marine Corps presence was not limited to the Hornets. It was also confirmed that a Boeing C-40A transport aircraft (the military variant of the Boeing 737), belonging to Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1), arrived in Panama to transport ceremonial personnel for the related events.
Additionally, the presence of a KC-130J aerial refueling and transport aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) was confirmed. Its mission was to transport personnel in support of enhanced community relations between the U.S. and Panama.
Finally, in light of efforts to increase interoperability with U.S. forces, it is worth highlighting that Panama is moving forward with the acquisition of new Embraer A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft to equip SENAN, which previously lacked this type of capability. The procurement of the Brazilian-made aircraft aims to strengthen aerial surveillance and patrol capabilities—critical elements in the fight against organized crime and in protecting Panamanian airspace.
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