Under the open skies of the Atlantic and proudly waving the Panamanian flag, the Multipurpose Vessel Presidente Manuel Amador Guerrero represented the country in one of the most important naval scenarios in the hemisphere: the UNITAS 2025 Multinational Exercises.
This historic participation reaffirms Panama’s commitment to regional maritime security, the strengthening of its operational capabilities and joint work with allied navies.
With cooperation and interoperability between the participating forces, UNITAS has established itself as a key space to strengthen trust, security and diplomatic relations between more than twenty allied countries.
This year, the edition was held in the United States, within the framework of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, between September 15 and October 2, with the participation of more than 25 nations, more than 20 ships, 2 submarines, 25 aircraft and around 8,000 naval forces. air and land routes from America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Panama was present with Presidente Manuel Amador Guerrero, who sailed on September 4 from national waters to the Mayport Naval Station. During its journey, it crossed the waters of Costa Rica, Colombia, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, Cuba and the Bahamas, arriving at its destination on September 14.
Once in port, the crew actively participated in ceremonies, sports and cultural activities, promoting Panamanian culture and traditions with the support of the Panama Tourism Authority, which provided handicrafts and decorations for a cultural exhibition before the international delegations.
The maritime phase began on September 20, when the Panamanian vessel joined the Coastal Task Group (Group “D”), along with vessels from Mexico and Ecuador.
During eight intense days at sea, the crews participated in more than 50 tactical and operational exercises designed to improve coordination and response to real situations, strengthening interoperability and teamwork among the participating navies.
Among the most outstanding maneuvers were search and rescue (SAR) exercises for people or vessels in distress; maritime interdiction operations (MIOs) against illicit activities; navigation in multinational tactical formations; naval artillery practice (GUNEX) against simulated targets; and joint operations with aircraft.
Visual communication exercises were also carried out, both at night with flashes of light and signals using the international flag code, as well as maritime traffic control practices and photographic maneuvers (PHOTOEX), where images of ships and aircraft executing coordinated maneuvers were captured.
All these activities tested the cooperation, discipline and multinational operational capacity, demonstrating the high level of preparation and professionalism of the Panamanian crew.
Following the successful development of the maritime phase, on September 28 L-403 called at Naval Station Norfolk, where it participated in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and the closing ceremony of UNITAS 2025, further strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties between the allied nations.
Finally, on October 8, the ship began her return to Panama, leaving the name of the country and the Naval Air Force high.
The outstanding Panamanian participation was recognized for its professionalism, leadership and operational capacity, reflecting the high level of readiness of our forces.
The lessons learned will strengthen institutional tactical maneuvers and contribute to future joint operations at the regional and international levels.
After successfully fulfilling its international mission, the Multipurpose Ship L-403 Presidente Manuel Amador Guerrero arrived on October 20 at the Port of Colón 2000, where he was proudly received by Commander Luis A. De Gracia, Director General of the National Aeronaval Service, accompanied by members of its board of directors, institutional staff and family members.
With emotion and pride, they welcomed the crew, recognizing the effort, dedication and commitment demonstrated during the UNITAS 2025 Exercises, where Panama reaffirmed its position as a reliable, committed and active partner in the maritime security of the hemisphere.