Panamanian Leaders visit USS Nimitz during Southern Seas 2026 Deployment

by Ensign Warren Vause

28 March 2026
PACIFIC OCEAN

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a visit of Senior Government of Panama distinguished visitors, including Luis Felipe Icaza, vice minister of Public Security, and Carlos Hoyos Boyd, vice minister of Foreign Affairs, while deployed to the 4th Fleet area of operations, March 28.

Icaza and Hoyos were accompanied by Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. ambassador to Panama, as well as other senior officials from the Panamanian government.

The visit was one of many planned opportunities for distinguished visitors to observe aircraft carrier operations during U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Southern Seas 2026 deployment.

While onboard, Icaza, Hoyos and Cabrera met with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, and U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. The leaders discussed the Southern Seas 2026 mission and the strong security partnership between Panama and the U.S.

Visitors were also able to observe flight operations from Nimitz’ flight deck.

Southern Seas 2026 marks the 11th iteration of the exercise to the region since 2007. Like the previous deployments, Southern Seas 2026 is designed to foster goodwill, strengthen maritime partnerships, counter threats, and build the U.S. Navy’s team alongside partner nation maritime services.

During the deployment, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) is scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate the continent of South America.

NIMCSG consists of Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101).

USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity and security.