Two American warships, the USS Nimitz and the USS Gridley, began a tour of the American continent after departing on March 12 from the east coast of the United States. As part of this tour, they will visit Panama as part of naval operations in the region. Both vessels will be in Panamanian waters from March 29 to April 2, as part of the Southern Seas 2026 exercises. This international cooperation event aims to strengthen the exchange of maritime knowledge with countries on the continent. Together, the USS Nimitz and USS Gridley have a capacity for about 6,000 crew members, reflecting the magnitude of this naval deployment that will visit several countries in America before continuing its route. The USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world, is about 333 meters long and can accommodate up to 90 aircraft, including planes and helicopters. This tour also includes stops in Peru, Chile, and Brazil, before both vessels complete their repositioning on the east coast of the United States on June 20. In addition, it displaces nearly 100,000 tons and operates as a mobile airbase, capable of conducting operations over long distances. Meanwhile, the USS Gridley, a destroyer equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, provides defense and operational support during such missions at sea. During their stay in the country, the USS Nimitz will remain anchored in open waters, while the USS Gridley will be at the Amador Cruise Port, as part of its passage through Panamanian territory.
