Lately I have been hearing and seeing more military aircraft in the air. My husband, retired Navy, thinks the jets are F-18s. And I just saw three I think US military helicopters fly over.
My English language news source here is less than detailed. NewsroomPanama does not even share reporter(s) names. But there are indeed troops here for “training”. Beyond that, it seems that there is disagreement or confusion.
US troops will be Stationed in Panama on these Sites Only is one short article listing these four sites.
- The Teniente Octavio Rodríguez Air Base of the National Aeronaval Service located in Panama Pacific;
- The Vasco Núñez de Balboa naval base;
- The naval base Captain of Frigate DEM. Noel A. Rodríguez;
- The Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base.
I live close to the first one so I can confirm that there is activity there. You see, “Panama and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding allowing for the arrival of U.S. military and civilian troops to Panama, as well as the construction and adaptation of sites for various activities.” But the memorandum was in both English and Spanish thus the confusion I guess. But then there is this.
“ “The memorandum states that: “ U.S. personnel and U.S. contractors may use authorized locations, facilities, and designated areas to conduct training, humanitarian activities, exercises, visits, storage, or installation of U.S. property, and any other activities as mutually agreed upon by the participants .”” I wonder about the “other activities”. But supposedly, all the property will remain Panamanian. Interestingly, the memorandum is valid for three years, starting now. The memorandum was signed when Hegseth was here last week.
But then Hegseth is also reported to have proposed this. He seems to want military bases in Panama with US troops controlling the canal. Panama Rejects Pentagon Chief’s Idea of U.S. Bases on its Soil Hegseth also seems to think US military ships should be able to go through the canal for free.
Memory of 1989 is still strong in Panama. We use US dollars and eggs are still pretty cheap here. But canal traffic is down although rain is strong this year. And President Mulino seems to be standing strong. But Panama is still on the minds of some it seems.
