Defending the Panama Canal
(http://www.costaricapages.com/panama/blog/) Dozens of ships from throughout Central America, North America and the Caribbean are in Panama for the annual Panamax training exercise. The exercise has taken place every year since 2003 with the goal of training nations to protect the Panama Canal should it ever be threatened.
Seven thousand people, 30 boats and a dozen airplanes are being utilized as part of the training. The exercise is now underway in Panama City and will run until August 22. Participating in this year’s training are forces from the US, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama and a number of other Central and South American nations.
Since the Panama Canal is one of the most strategically and economically crucial waterways in the world, the focus of the participating nations is to protect the canal should it ever be under attack. The exercise is also being observed by delegates from France, Spain, Paraguay and Mexico. The event is organized by the US Southern Command.
Though this type of training exercise is necessary to ensure the safety of the canal should it ever be threatened, Panamax has a somewhat controversial history. During Panamax 2005, three Panamanian soldiers were killed during an exercise. The three were diving in Lake Gatun, when according to official records, they became trapped in underwater algae or vegetation.
Since the tragic events of 2005, safety standards have been increased during the exercise.
