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PANAMAX 2012 Spotlight with Tech. Sgt. John Myers

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andria Sapp
  • 183rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Tech. Sgt. John Myers, was an analyst participating in PANAMAX 2012 at 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. During the exercise, forces from 17 nations worked together as part of a computer-simulated-exercise to provide a variety of responses to requests made by the governments of Panama and Colombia. These requests were geared at protecting and guaranteeing safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensuring its neutrality, and respecting national sovereignty.

Question: What was your role in PANAMAX 2012?

Answer: As an analyst I provided analysis and correlation of information for the commander.

Question: In what way did your role contribute to the overall objectives of PANAMAX 2012?

Answer: We shifted through various info and key points to provide the decision makers with the necessary tools to make the most accurate decisions possible.

Question: In your role, how did you work with the partner nations to ensure the success of PANAMAX 2012?

Answer: While working with partner nations we shared any information that will help them to achieve their portion of the mission. One of the most important benefits of multinational exercises like PANAMAX 2012 is the fact that all the participants were able to exchange their experiences, expertise and gained new knowledge about each other's culture and people. These interactions strengthened our bonds across the region and foster long-lasting friendships and an understanding among the partner nations, ultimately benefiting the security of the region.

Question: What were the lessons learned that you took away from PANAMAX 2012?

Answer: We were able to pull information together for the commander in streamlined fashion, which allowed us to be more efficient at our job. Participating in PANAMAX has allowed me to work on my streamlining skills, and as I participate in more exercises I will further those critical skills.