Navy League Panama
Únete a nosotros y se parte de una asociación que promueve valores de liderazgo y colaboración. Conectamos a los miembros de la comunidad marítima para un futuro mejor.
NAVY LEAGUE PANAMA FOUNDATION
Navy League Panama
The Navy League of the United States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, is a nonprofit civilian, educational and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.
For over a century, the Navy League has been a voice for maritime strength, engaging the public and Congress on the vital role these services play in national security, economic prosperity, and global stability. Through membership, we unite those who are committed to supporting the sea services, advocating for a strong maritime defense, and building a community that stands behind those who serve at sea.
Panama Chapter
The Panama Council of the Navy League of the United States Foundation is perhaps best known for the high quality of its monthly speakers -- and not just on maritime issues either.
We also develop good community relations and support the men and women of the sea services, and their families. To this end we work closely with the US Navy, Marine Corp. Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and the Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá (UMIP), to provide support for local community relations projects such as cleaning, painting and repairing schools, orphanages, community centers. We've connected Engineers Without Borders with UMIP cadets to assist with the Kuna Nega's community building projects. Our scholarship program is over 25 years old beginning with the Escuela Náutica de Panamá and continues today for cadets of UMIP
How the U.S. Navy Wiped Out Iran’s Fleet in Days
March 8, 2026
A devastating campaign in the Gulf of Oman saw Tomahawk missiles, carrier aircraft, and helicopter gunships dismantle Iran’s naval power—destroying key vessels such as the Makran and Shahid Bagheri while U.S. forces operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln and advanced surface combatants reshaped the balance of maritime power in the region.
The President of the Navy League Panama Chapter at war (in 1982)
New book out now on Amazon - in English and Spanish
The Falklands War Through the Eyes of Navy League Panama President Lt Cdr Steve Harrison Thomas, DSC. From the Youngest Front-Line Pilot in British Service to Decorated Combat Veteran
Steve Barnett: The
Oldest Man to Ride Around the World for a Guinness World Record
February 12, 2026
At 77 years old, Navy League of Panama member Steve Barnett is not slowing down. In fact, he is preparing for the most ambitious journey of his life.
On March 8, 2026, Steve will depart Panama to attempt a Guinness World Record: becoming the Oldest Man to Circumnavigate the Globe on a Motorcycle.
Navy League Panama February 2026 Dinner
Regional Maritime Security
and Counter-Narcotics Operations
The Navy League Panama Chapter is pleased to announce our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at our traditional and much-valued venue, the Hotel InterContinental Miramar Panama.
Interdicting the Shadow Fleet
How U.S. and U.K. Forces Seized Iranian-Linked Tankers Bound for Venezuela
In early January 2026, U.S. and British military forces undertook coordinated operations to intercept and seize oil tankers alleged to be violating international sanctions by transporting crude linked to Iran and Venezuela. These interdictions, conducted at sea and across vast maritime distances, demonstrated modern naval and maritime enforcement capabilities. From prolonged pursuits in the North Atlantic to pre-dawn boardings in the Caribbean, the operations showcased joint force integration across services and nations.
The Capture of Maduro
How U.S. Forces Executed a Precision Joint Operation
In early January 2026, U.S. military forces carried out a complex and meticulously planned operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of de facto Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, without loss of American lives and with minimal equipment damage. The operation—conducted under the code name Operation Absolute Resolve—was a high-tempo, multi-domain mission that neutralized Venezuelan defenses and extracted the targets in a matter of hours.
Navy League Panama Chapter Attends the 250th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball
A Night to Remember
Members of the Navy League Panama Chapter were honoured to attend the 250th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball, held at the Sortis Hotel in Panama City, Panama, on or around 10 November 2025.
A Triumphant Return:
Navy League Panama Relaunches Monthly Dinners with Falklands War Fighter Pilot’s Inspiring Talk
The Navy League Panama has proudly revived its beloved tradition of monthly dinners — and the first event was nothing short of extraordinary. Held at the InterContinental Miramar Hotel, the evening featured our new President, Lt Cdr Stephen Harrison-Thomas, PhD DSC, Royal Navy (Retired), who delivered a captivating and humorous firsthand account of his experiences as a Sea Harrier pilot in the 1982 Falklands War. Members enjoyed fine dining, camaraderie, and a fascinating glimpse into naval history — marking a powerful new chapter in the League’s social and educational calendar.
U.S NAVY BUILD-UP OFF VENEZUELA
A return to Gunboat Diplomacy?
The recent deployment of U.S. Navy warships off Venezuela marks one of the most significant American military buildups in the Caribbean in decades. Officially framed as counter-narcotics operations, the move signals a revival of gunboat diplomacy - pressuring Nicolás Maduro’s regime militarily and economically, while raising questions about whether mounting strain might ultimately force political change in Caracas.
The Submarine Aircraft Carriers That Targeted the Panama Canal
At the end of World War II, Japan built the largest submarines of their time—floating aircraft carriers designed to launch bombers against distant targets. Their most audacious mission was to cripple the Panama Canal, a plan that came closer to reality than many realize.
Navy League Panama aboard C.G Training Ship Eagle
On September 4, 2025, the Navy League Panama Chapter had the distinguished honor of being invited aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Eagle while she was berthed at the Amador cruise terminal. The visit marked a memorable occasion, blending naval tradition, international fellowship, and cultural exchange.
New President
Lieutenant Commander
Stephen Harrison-Thomas
PhD DSC, Royal Navy (Retired)
Lieutenant Commander Stephen Harrison-Thomas PhD DSC, Royal Navy (Retired), has been appointed President of the Navy League Panama Chapter. A decorated Falklands War pilot, test pilot, airline captain, anti-narcotics aviator, author, and academic, he now brings decades of leadership and international experience to serve the League’s mission in Panama.