More than 30 members of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council were invited by MG Clarence “K.K.” Chinn to Army South (ARSOUTH) Headquarters to take a peek into the annual PANAMAX exercise, which takes place in Central America and the United States, and includes training here in San Antonio.
The 12-day exercise includes land, air, and sea forces from 19 nations which take part in simulated training scenarios focused on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal, which is critical to the free flow of trade in the region and the entire world. The region's economy and political stability largely depends on the safe transport of several hundred million tons of cargo through the canal each year.
PANAMAX is designed to ensure plans are in place to respond to requests from the Government of Panama to protect the canal, which may include attacks by violent extremist organizations, natural disasters, or even pandemic outbreaks.
Before the exercise, Military Affairs Council received a valuable and informative Mission Brief which provided details on ARSOUTH’s background, structure, and mission, highlighting the Command’s priorities of readiness, partnering, resourcing, and responsiveness. After the Mission Brief, the guests moved to the Exercise Site and toured the “Tent City” in small groups, which included ARSOUTH representatives, as well as servicemen and women from partnering nations and from multiple branches of service.
Once again, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce appreciates your support and continues to enjoy our partnership with our military neighbors. Additionally, we appreciate ARSOUTH’s hospitality and look forward to next year’s visit!
