Posted 8/26/2010
PANAMA CITY, Panama (Aug. 25, 2010) Panamanian marines, U.S. Navy Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 from Yorktown, Va., and U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Fast Company from Yorktown, Va., prepare to storm the beach during the pursuit of three suspected drug traffickers during a PANAMAX 2010 riverine training exercise. More than 2,000 civilian and military personnel from 18 countries are participating in a 12-day exercise from Aug. 16-27 to train in a joint, multinational effort to defend the Panama Canal. The purpose of PANAMAX 2010 is to enhance regional cooperation and exercise participating nations' ground, naval, air and special operators' ability to respond to threats to the Panama Canal and plan for major regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events. (U.s. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie)