This gathering continues the Chapter’s mission of fostering informed dialogue on maritime affairs, regional security, and naval cooperation, while strengthening the professional and social bonds within Panama’s maritime, diplomatic, and defense communities.

Guest Speaker

Braden Rostad

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Liaison to the Republic of Panama

Lieutenant Commander Braden Rostad assumed his current duties as U.S. Coast Guard Liaison to the Republic of Panama in July 2024. In this strategically important role, he serves as the principal maritime advisor to the U.S. Ambassador and works closely with Panamanian counterparts to strengthen national and regional capabilities in:

Maritime Domain Awareness

Counter-narcotics and illegal fishing operations

Migration monitoring

Search and Rescue (SAR)

Broader maritime security cooperation

LCDR Rostad is a Prevention Operations specialist and a mechanical engineer, bringing a rare combination of operational, technical, and regulatory expertise to his assignment in Panama.

Immediately prior to his liaison tour, he served as Investigation Division Chief at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach, where he oversaw marine casualty investigations, civil enforcement actions, and merchant mariner suspension and revocation proceedings across more than 300 miles of coastline, including the largest port complex and busiest container port in the United States.

His earlier assignments include service as a mechanical engineer at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., as well as tours as a ship and machinery inspector in Singapore and Texas City, Texas, giving him first-hand exposure to global maritime operations, port state control, and international shipping standards.

Academic and Professional Background

Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation
United States Merchant Marine Academy (2010)

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
North Dakota State University (2018)

Licensed Mariner

Registered Professional Engineer (State of Texas)

Fluent in English and Spanish as a second language

A native of Fargo, North Dakota, LCDR Rostad currently resides in the Ancón district of Panama City with his wife and two children, further underscoring his close personal and professional connection to the country and region.

Dinner Presentation Topic

Regional Counter-Narcotics Operations: Maritime Challenges and Cooperation

LCDR Rostad’s presentation will address the evolving landscape of regional counter-narcotics operations, with particular emphasis on:

Transnational maritime threats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean

The role of maritime domain awareness in disrupting illicit networks

U.S.–Panama cooperation in interdiction and enforcement

Emerging challenges and opportunities for multinational collaboration

This topic is of direct relevance to naval professionals, maritime executives, policymakers, and all those engaged in safeguarding freedom of navigation and regional stability.

Event Details (Summary)

Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Venue: InterContinental Miramar Panama

Speaker: LCDR Braden Rostad, U.S. Coast Guard

Topic: Regional Counter-Narcotics Operations

As always, the evening will combine an informative address with collegial discussion and networking in a relaxed, professional setting.

The Navy League Panama Chapter looks forward to welcoming members, guests, and partners to what promises to be a highly engaging and strategically insightful dinner. Further details regarding timing, dress code, and reservations will be circulated separately.