Panama’s Naval Force Boosts Readiness with New Maintenance Initiative

Doral, Florida, USA - In the bustling forum of the U.S. Southern Command’s Senior Leader Logistics Symposium (SLLS), held on June 4-5 in Doral, Florida, Captain Luis Carlos Camaño, the head of the Naval Engineering Department at the Panamanian National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), took center stage. With an impressive 12 years of public service, and 11 years dedicated to the nuances of SENAN operations, Camaño has a wealth of experience under his belt. Trained at the Naval Academy of Mexico and Spain, he brings both knowledge and leadership to the table as he discusses the future of maritime logistics in Panama. According to Diálogo, Camaño’s responsibilities aren’t small potatoes; they encompass everything from planning and controlling maintenance schedules to improving processes for naval assets.

Camaño envisions enhancing SENAN’s capabilities through the acquisition of a cutting-edge technology platform aimed at streamlining logistics and procurement processes. He’s well aware of the risks involved in procurement and knows that staying ahead in the game is vital. The latest development involves Panama’s plans to host a Maintenance Center of Excellence as part of the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI), which kicked off in 2024. This initiative will foster internal training for maintenance personnel and bolster training capabilities across the region. As Camaño notes, continuous training is crucial to keep pace with the technological advancements in naval vessels.

Strengthening Partnerships

The TMPI, spearheaded by the U.S. Southern Command, is a substantial undertaking aimed at boosting equipment maintenance across South America, particularly among partner nations. As highlighted by Defense Mirror, this initiative isn’t just a one-off deal; it represents an extensive collaboration to enhance maintenance expertise and ensure that partner nations can effectively manage equipment like trucks, boats, helicopters, and, notably, aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules.

The U.S. Southern Command, led by General Laura Richardson, emphasizes that the TMPI addresses previous challenges where inadequate maintenance impaired operational capabilities. It’s about creating a more interoperable and capable military presence among partner nations. To achieve this, the initiative includes educational elements, such as a multinational logistics officer’s course geared toward senior military and civilian leaders, covering logistics functions and lifecycle management.

Regional Impact

Further complementing these efforts, FlightGlobal reports that TMPI also aims to alleviate concerns expressed by South American nations regarding their capability to operate U.S.-origin equipment effectively. This includes ensuring that a collective operational standard is maintained across a variety of military assets among countries like Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, which collectively operate more than 50 C-130 aircraft.

The establishment of nine educational centers across the region focuses on various maintenance skills, with Colombia and Jamaica stepping up to host the first centers of excellence—one specializing in aviation and another covering multi-domain operations. These enhancements are not merely administrative; they are a lifeline for enhancing regional readiness and ensuring that partner nations can keep their fleets operational and effective.

With the U.S. Embassy’s recent delivery of 16 reinforced pneumatic boats and the associated training for SENAN staff, Panama is not just sitting idly by. They are gearing up for a sustainable future, set to celebrate a significant milestone with the Missouri National Guard in 2026—30 years of partnership under the State Partnership Program. This alliance signals a commitment to aviation and joint operations that both nations trust will benefit their respective national security interests.

As our region navigates complex challenges, the proactive approaches outlined by Camaño and bolstered by initiatives from Southern Command provide a clear path forward, ensuring that our naval forces and partners remain prepared for the demands of modern operations. Collaboration, training, and technology will be the cornerstones of a stronger future.