On Sunday, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz arrived in Panamanian waters as part of the multinational exercise 'Southern Seas 2026' and as a demonstration of U.S.-Panama cooperation. The carrier, part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, docked at the Amador Cruise Terminal, located at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean on the interoceanic canal. The USS Gridley, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and part of this group, also arrived in Panama. 'Without a partner like Panama, we cannot accomplish this mission of improving security in the American continent,' said U.S. Rear Admiral Norman Cassi in a brief speech. He recognized Panama's 'important role in global trade' and expressed hope that 'cooperation between the two countries in maritime security and the fight against transnational crime will continue,' officials stated. 'We are in Panama as guests and also as partners in security. This visit is part of our cooperation to improve security and prosperity throughout the American continent,' said U.S. Rear Admiral Norman Cassi. Cassi, along with Panama's Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, and other officials, discussed the historical relationship between Panama and the U.S. The U.S. is the main user of the canal, with around 70% of the cargo crossing it having the U.S. as its origin or destination. The U.S. built the waterway in the early 20th century and administered it for over 80 years until its transfer to the Panamanian state on December 31, 1999. 'Freedom can only exist where there is security,' stated Panama's Minister of Public Security. He also affirmed that the 'significant' presence of the Nimitz in Panamanian waters 'not only symbolizes cooperation between two allied nations, but reaffirms a historical relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace, security, and regional stability'. According to available information, the USS Nimitz is scheduled for decommissioning in 2027. The carrier and the destroyer will remain in Panama until April 2, according to Panamanian authorities. The nuclear-powered carrier is anchored in open waters, about 45 minutes from the Amador cruise port. Neither this vessel nor the destroyer will cross the interoceanic canal during their journey to conduct military exercises with the navies of ten North, Central, and South American countries. The USS Nimitz and its strike group will conduct exercises with the naval forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uruguay, as reported by U.S. Southern Command days ago. The ships will circumnavigate the Americas as part of their Southern Seas 2026 deployment, making port calls in Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. Southern Seas 2026 marks the eleventh edition of these exercises in the region since 2007. The USS Nimitz strike group, which includes the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gridley, is composed of Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 9. These units include F-18 and EA-18G (the F-18 version adapted for electronic warfare) fighters, multi-role MH-60 helicopters, and C-2 logistical support aircraft.
