Panamanian lawmakers and the mayor of Panama City toured the USS Nimitz this weekend. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is operating in Panamanian waters as part of a major multinational military exercise. The visit, organized by the U.S. Embassy, aimed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation between the two nations.
The delegation included National Assembly members José Pérez Barboni and Roberto Zúñiga, alongside Panama City Mayor mayer mizrachi. They landed directly on the carrier’s flight deck via military aircraft on Saturday, March 28. The group observed flight operations and received briefings on the ship’s capabilities from crew members.
The USS Nimitz and the destroyer USS Gridley are in the region for the Southern Seas 2026 exercise. This annual U.S. Southern Command operation focuses on maritime security training and multinational interoperability with partner nations. The carrier will remain near Panama until April 2 before continuing its deployment.
“Wow, wow! I am in shock; honestly, I am in shock. It is an experience. As soon as I got off the plane, I could not believe I was on an aircraft carrier,” said Mayor Mayer Mizrachi. [Translated from Spanish]
Senior Panamanian security officials joined the tour, including Vice Minister of Public Security Luis Felipe Icaza and National Police Director Jaime Fernández. U.S. Ambassador Kevin Cabrera hosted the visit. Diplomatic sources stated the event was designed to foster dialogue on shared regional security challenges.
Deepening Bilateral Security Ties
The tour of the USS Nimitz represents a visible step in ongoing defense engagement. Officials from both countries described the day as a relationship-building opportunity. They emphasized collaboration in maritime domain awareness and disaster response.
Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visit supports broader diplomatic efforts. The presence of such a high-level delegation underscores the strategic importance of the security partnership. This visit follows other recent bilateral security initiatives.
The Southern Seas (military exercise) series is a key component of U.S. naval engagement in the hemisphere. For 2026, it includes port calls, subject matter expert exchanges, and at-sea training phases. The USS Gridley is currently docked at Amador’s port facilities for similar diplomatic engagements.
Operating a Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the region is a significant logistical undertaking. The Nimitz-class carrier houses approximately 5,000 personnel and dozens of aircraft. Its deployment to Central America is relatively rare, highlighting the exercise’s scale.
Security analysts note these exercises often complement other forms of cooperation. This includes efforts as part of coordinated regional strategies. The Panamanian government has recently increased focus on border and maritime security.
The delegation departed the carrier with a clearer understanding of its operational role. The visit concluded without incident, according to statements from the U.S. Navy’s public affairs team. Both ships are scheduled to depart Panamanian waters later this week to continue their scheduled transit.
