United States Navy Southern Command/Fourth Fleet (USNAVSO/4F) wrapped up its annual defense of the Panama Canal exercise, more commonly known as PANAMAX, at Naval Station Mayport on August 4, 2016.

PANAMAX is a two-week multinational exercise sponsored by United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

SOUTHCOM coordinates with its respective service components, U.S. Army South, Marine Forces South, Air Forces Southern Command, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Special Operations Command South, and partner nations to conduct a fictitious scenario revolving around defending the Panama Canal from unique threats. The goal is to train both U.S. and partner nation forces to conduct coordinated operations as a multinational coalition in a realistic, dynamic and complex environment.

Members of USNAVSO/4F and its partner nations were responsible for conducting and supporting the maritime aspect of the Coalition forces for PANAMAX. To support the effort, 299 participants organized, trained and constantly engaged with one another in order to best support Coalition maritime objectives.

The operational tempo from start to finish was fast and steady for two weeks.

The logistics cell, which included active-duty and reserve members of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Jacksonville, was faced with myriad scenarios that "pushed the envelope" of capabilities and resulted in a fruitful learning environment. Whether it was moving parts or personnel in an unpredictable environment, coordinating fuel for over 30 ships, or getting operational contract support for unique requirements, members of the logistics team faced multiple hurdles that were all conquered in a productive and cooperative environment with partner nation personnel.

Commanding the coalition maritime effort was Rear Adm. Alberto Alcala of Peru.

"The entire effort was a tremendous success," said Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Stebbins, lead operational logistics planner, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, embedded at USNAVSO/4F. "The goal was to engage with our allies in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility, work together to problem-solve, and develop relationships for future operations."

Participating countries for PANAMAX include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United Kingdom, and United States.

NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.