The American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and the destroyer USS Gridley have arrived in Panama as part of a major naval deployment, Southern Seas 2026. Their arrival was greeted by Panama's Security Minister Frank Ábrego and the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera. The Nimitz, which has been in operation since 1968, is more than just a ship; it is a symbol of U.S. maritime power. Both vessels will remain there until April 2. The Nimitz, with a length of 333 meters and a displacement of 100,000 tons, will remain anchored in open waters, while the Gridley will dock at the Amador Cruise Port in Panama City. Together, they can mobilize around 6,000 crew members. This visit is part of a larger operation that includes stops in several South American and Caribbean nations. The goal of the deployment is to enhance interoperability and strengthen alliances with partner nations in an increasingly tense global environment.
