Navy League Panama Chapter Welcomed Aboard USCGC 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.
The USCGC Eagle: A Modern Ambassador of Maritime Tradition
USCGC Eagle (WIX-327), affectionately known as “America’s Tall Ship,” has served the Coast Guard since 1946. Originally built in Germany in 1936 as the Horst Wessel, she was taken as a war prize after World War II and recommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard. In recent years, the Eagle has continued to fulfill her primary mission as a seagoing classroom for cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. She provides future officers with invaluable hands-on training in seamanship, leadership, and teamwork, while also serving as a visible symbol of American goodwill in ports across the globe. The Eagle frequently visits international harbors as part of her deployment schedule, strengthening maritime partnerships and promoting U.S. presence abroad. Her stop in Panama underscores the enduring cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Panama in the maritime domain.
Guest of Honor
Rear Admiral Joseph Buzzella USCG
The event’s guest of honour was Rear Admiral Joseph Buzzella, Acting Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West. Assuming this position in July 2025, Rear Admiral Buzzella now oversees all Coast Guard missions westward from the Rocky Mountains, spanning the Indo-Pacific, Arctic, Antarctic, and as far as the eastern coast of Africa. He also directs operational support for the U.S. Department of Defense, underscoring the scale and strategic importance of his role. His remarks aboard the Eagle highlighted the deep maritime ties between the United States and Panama and the shared commitment to security, cooperation, and freedom of navigation.
Organization and Hospitality
The event was impeccably organized by Lieutenant Commander Braden Rostad, U.S. Coast Guard Liaison to the Republic of Panama since July 2024. In this capacity, LCDR Rostad acts as maritime advisor to the U.S. Ambassador and works to strengthen Panama’s capabilities in areas such as domain awareness, counter-narcotics, illegal fishing, migration monitoring, search and rescue, and maritime security. His outstanding coordination of the event earned him the affectionate nickname “Lt Cdr Rockstar,” a tribute to his professionalism and energy.
The hospitality provided by the officers and crew of the Eagle was second to none. Guests enjoyed a generous spread of food prepared by the ship’s staff, with particular praise given to the shrimp cocktail and the outstanding cheesecake—both remembered fondly by attendees.
Distinguished Attendees and Remarks
The day was marked by speeches from Rear Admiral Buzzella, the Captain of the Eagle, and the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, H.E. Kevin Marino Cabrera, each reinforcing the significance of maritime partnerships and the symbolic role of the Eagle. Among the notable guests were the British Ambassador H.E. Greg Houston, the Panamanian Minister of Culture, the head of the Panamanian AeroNaval force, and Dr. David Richardson Pacheco Amador—whose great uncle was the first President of Panama—who, even at nearly ninety years of age, took part in the shipboard tour with great enthusiasm.
Many members of the Navy League Panama Chapter were also present. A highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of the League’s new incoming president, Stephen Harrison-Thomas, Ph.D., D.S.C., by the outgoing President, Mr. Hunter Schultz. Dr. Harrison-Thomas accepted the role with an amusing naval anecdote, delighting the audience and setting a warm, collegial tone for his tenure.
A Celebration of Partnership
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks extended to the U.S. Coast Guard for their extraordinary hospitality and professionalism. The officers and crew of USCGC Eagle embodied the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill that the ship represents worldwide. For the Navy League Panama Chapter, it was an unforgettable day that reinforced the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Panama, the United States, and the wider maritime community.