Senior Colombian air force officer takes part in PANAMAX 2012
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – Lt. Col. Mario Espinosa, chief operations officer/doctrine officer for the Colombian air force (center), worked in planning operations for PANAMAX 2012 alongside Air Forces Southern, Aug. 6-17. PANAMAX is an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that focuses on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal. One of the most important benefits of multinational exercises like PANAMAX is the fact that all the participants were able to exchange their experiences, expertise gained new knowledge about each other’s culture and people. These interactions strengthen our bonds across the region and foster long-lasting friendships and an understanding among the partner nations, ultimately benefiting the security of the region.