The Navy League Panama Relaunches Monthly
Dinner Series with an
Inspiring Falklands War Presentation
Panama City, October 7, 2025 — The Navy League Panama proudly reinstated its cherished tradition of monthly dinner gatherings, beginning with a memorable evening held at the InterContinental Miramar Hotel. The event marked the official relaunch of these much-loved social and educational evenings that have long served to unite members of Panama’s maritime and naval community in fellowship, reflection, and shared inspiration.
A Night of Fellowship and Tradition
Guests gathered at 19:00 hours (or “7 p.m. for the civilians,” as our hosts playfully reminded us) to enjoy an evening of fine dining, lively conversation, and naval camaraderie. The menu—beautifully curated by the hotel’s chefs—included a lentil cappuccino with bacon, chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms and Parmesan in fresh tomato sauce, sautéed vegetables, pilaf rice with cashew nuts, and a decadent rum crème brûlée, accompanied by a glass of wine and followed by coffee or tea.
At just $35 per person, the dinner reflected the League’s commitment to maintaining accessibility while offering an evening of substance, history, and community spirit.
An Inspiring Keynote: A Personal Account from the Falklands War
The highlight of the evening was the captivating address by our newly appointed President, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Harrison-Thomas, PhD DSC, Royal Navy (Retired). A highly decorated Falklands War veteran, Dr. Harrison-Thomas served as a Sea Harrier pilot aboard HMS Invincible, credited with three confirmed air-to-air victories during the conflict—an extraordinary feat that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry.
His presentation, drawn from his personal collection and experiences, offered a vivid and often humorous look into life as a young and relatively inexperienced combat pilot during one of the most intense air campaigns of the late 20th century. Using rare images and detailed accounts from his original slides, Dr. Harrison-Thomas recounted both the triumphs and the trials of the 1982 South Atlantic conflict.
From Dogfights, to Prince Andrew
From the adrenaline of dogfights over San Carlos Water to the quieter but equally memorable moments—such as when a replenishment ship delivered beef labeled “Product of Argentina” (prompting wary sailors to ask if it had been poisoned)—his storytelling balanced grit, wit, and humanity.
He also shared candid anecdotes about his encounters with Prince Andrew, who served alongside him during the war, providing a rare and personal glimpse into the Royal presence aboard the task force. The combination of operational detail, humour, and humility gave members a unique perspective on the human side of warfare—beyond tactics and technology, into courage, camaraderie, and character.
A Resounding
Success and a
Promising New Beginning
The evening was not only an opportunity to learn and reminisce, but also to reconnect with old friends and welcome new members to the Navy League Panama community. Conversations flowed easily between courses, with lively discussions about naval history, current maritime affairs, and future initiatives for the League’s outreach and educational programmes.
President Harrison-Thomas closed the evening by expressing his gratitude for the strong turnout and reaffirming his vision to make the Navy League Panama a vibrant hub for maritime professionals, veterans, and enthusiasts alike. “We’re bringing back a proud tradition,” he remarked, “and I hope each dinner will remind us not only of our naval heritage but also of our shared commitment to service, community, and the sea.”
Looking Ahead
With this successful relaunch, the Navy League Panama is set to resume its monthly dinner series—each featuring distinguished guest speakers from the worlds of defence, shipping, exploration, and leadership. Members are encouraged to attend these gatherings to stay connected, informed, and inspired.
To secure your place at future dinners or to learn more about membership opportunities, please contact info@navyleaguepanama.org.