2nd Fleet hosts opening ceremony for PANAMAX 10

[naaman fletcher]

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Commander, U.S. Second Fleet hosted an opening ceremony for PANAMAX 2010 on Monday at Naval Station Norfolk.

The U.S. Southern Command sponsored exercise will take place Aug. 18-26 in the vicinity of Norfolk, the Panama Canal, Colombia, Miami, Fla. and Mayport, Fla. The exercise will feature components from 12th Air Force in Tucson, Ariz. and U.S. Army South from Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Officials say the purpose of PANAMAX is to enhance regional cooperation and exercise participating nations' ground, naval, air and Special Forces' ability to respond to threats to the Panama Canal and plan for a major humanitarian assistance and disaster relief event in the region.

PANAMAX 10 also provides 2nd Fleet staff an opportunity to maintain its proficiency as a Joint Task Force-capable headquarter. During the week-long exercise, Second Fleet will assume the role of a Joint Task Force leading a Multi-national Force operating under a UN resolution. Most of the exercise will be simulated with some live play in Mayport, Panama and Norfolk.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/military/2nd-Fleet-hosts-opening-ceremony-for-PANAMAX-10