Panama declares: US Navy carrier and destroyers to pass through its waters
The United States is deploying naval forces in Latin America for “Southern Seas 2026”. The operation focuses on strategic and cooperative activities, aiming to boost maritime capabilities while asserting a geopolitical presence.
Building stronger links across the region
A core aim of “Southern Seas” is to promote cooperation and share maritime expertise with Latin American partners. The mission includes at least two notable US Navy ships: the USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and the USS Gridley, a destroyer. They are both symbols of military power and platforms for cooperation. The USS Nimitz is a mobile airbase, able to support long-range operations and carry up to 90 aircraft. During the deployment it will remain anchored off Panama rather than transit the canal, as its size prevents passage.
The USS Gridley, fitted with modern radar and weapons systems, focuses on air and missile defence and protects the carrier strike group. It is expected to dock at the port of Amador during the Panama visit. Together, these ships carry several thousand crew members, reflecting the scale of operational cooperation between the US and regional partners, including Panama’s National Air and Marine Service.
More than training: the geopolitical side
While the official line stresses training and cooperation, the operation also has geopolitical dimensions. Set against rising global tensions and competition among major powers, the mission signals US interests and influence in Latin America’s sea lanes, a region of growing strategic importance for navigation and trade.
The schedule for “Southern Seas 2026” reflects that intent. After leaving the US West Coast on 12 March, the naval group will be off Panama from 29 March to 2 April, and will make port calls in Peru, Chile, and Brazil. After the South America leg, the ships will move to a new homeport on the US East Coast, though no specific port has been named. There is no passage through the Panama Canal planned, since the canal’s lock facilities cannot accommodate aircraft carriers like the USS Nimitz.
Boosting regional security and maritime capability
The mission is part of efforts to strengthen operational abilities and improve interoperability between US forces and regional navies. Exercises planned during this deployment centre on joint tactical operations, with the aim of reinforcing security and maritime safety along Latin America’s coasts. “Southern Seas 2026” is part of a strategy that combines cooperative and strategic elements of the US presence in key maritime zones.
Showing the US naval presence
The operation signals the US commitment to maintaining security and stability in Latin America, reaffirming alliances and addressing potential threats in the region. Through naval exercises and capability demonstrations, the US signals a continuing strategic interest in the region’s security and the role of the US Navy in protecting trade routes and freedom of navigation.
As “Southern Seas 2026” continues, it shows the role maritime forces can play in diplomacy and security. By combining operational readiness with geopolitical objectives, the US Navy emphasises the value of partnerships for collective security and stability in Latin America’s sea areas. The deployment also strengthens regional ties and maintains US capacity to respond to emerging global developments.