The collective notes that the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the US in April 2025 validates the growing presence of troops and the establishment of military bases, to the detriment of sovereignty. According to reports from the Ministry of Security and the US Embassy itself, the ships will remain in Panamanian waters until April 2 as part of the eleventh edition of the international maritime cooperation exercises "Southern Seas" 2026. According to sources, the USS Nimitz, one of the world's largest ships, is visiting Panamanian waters for the first time in over 50 years, which demonstrates the strength of the bilateral relationship. The USS Gridley, a destroyer equipped with advanced radar and defense systems, will dock at the port of Amador, on the banks of the Panama Canal. The presence of these vessels will provide the crew with an opportunity for rest and recovery during operations as part of the exercise, they added. It is expected that up to 3,500 Marines will disembark in Panama daily for tourism. Some crew members will officially participate in community outreach activities, including sports events with youth groups. "Southern Seas 2026" includes knowledge exchange sessions between specialists and provides the opportunity for guests from partner countries to observe firsthand the operations of an aircraft carrier. Press reports indicate that the Southern Command explained that the Nimitz and the Gridley destroyer will conduct passage exercises and maritime operations with the naval forces of allied South American nations. A component of the US naval force. Panama City, Mar 29 (Prensa Latina) – Popular organizations today issued new messages of condemnation over the presence in Panamanian territorial waters of the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and the USS Gridley destroyer from the US Navy. The National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso) denounced in a statement that at a time of tense conflagration in the Middle East, the administration of José Raúl Mulino "offers the isthmus in a servile manner as a platform for military exercises and endangers the security of all Panamanians." They also labeled the city's mayor, Mayer Mizrachi, and deputies José Barboni (Otro Camino Movement) and Roberto Zúñiga (Vamos) as "traitors to the homeland," who the previous day visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz at sea and took photos with its crew. On the other hand, they rejected the most recent announcement from the US Embassy in Panama about the arrival during Holy Week of a smaller aircraft carrier and the invitation for young people to take tours of the vessel.
US Military Presence in Panama Sparks Public Protest
Panamanian popular organizations have condemned the presence of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and USS Gridley destroyer in its territorial waters, stating that it threatens the country's sovereignty and security. Protesters called the authorities 'traitors' for their cooperation with the US.
