U.S. Air Force Maj. Karina Bostwick, 59th Medical Wing, JBSA-Lackland, performs an eye test during the two-week surgical eye mission as part of Panamax Alpha Phase II, Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Aug. 26, 2025, through Sept. 11, 2025. The surgical mission brought together 48 local and U.S. doctors, nurses, and technicians to complete cataract removals, corneal transplants and other complex procedures alleviating an over six-month wait for some. The over 200 surgeries provided not only improved eyesight but symbolized the strength of the U.S.-Panama partnership. (Courtesy Photo) - U.S. Air Force Maj. Karina Bostwick, 59th Medical Wing, JBSA-Lackland, performs an eye test during the two-week surgical eye mission as part of Panamax Alpha Phase II, Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Aug. 26, 2025, through Sept. 11, 2025. The surgical mission brought together 48 local and U.S. doctors, nurses, and technicians to complete cataract removals, corneal transplants and other complex procedures alleviating an over six-month wait for some. The over 200 surgeries provided not only improved eyesight but symbolized the strength of the U.S.-Panama partnership. (Courtesy Photo)

Dr. Ivonne Alvarado, Ophthalmologist at Dr. Luis “Chicho” Fabrega Regional Hospital evaluates a patient ahead of the eight-day eye surgical mission during Panamax Alpha Phase II, Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Aug. 26, 2025, through Sept. 11, 2025. The surgical mission brought together 48 local and U.S. doctors, nurses, and technicians to complete cataract removals, corneal transplants and other complex procedures alleviating an over six-month wait for some. The over 200 surgeries provided not only improved eyesight but symbolized the strength of the U.S.-Panama partnership. (Courtesy Photo) - Dr. Ivonne Alvarado, Ophthalmologist at Dr. Luis “Chicho” Fabrega Regional Hospital evaluates a patient ahead of the eight-day eye surgical mission during Panamax Alpha Phase II, Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, Aug. 26, 2025, through Sept. 11, 2025. The surgical mission brought together 48 local and U.S. doctors, nurses, and technicians to complete cataract removals, corneal transplants and other complex procedures alleviating an over six-month wait for some. The over 200 surgeries provided not only improved eyesight but symbolized the strength of the U.S.-Panama partnership. (Courtesy Photo)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules is being unloaded at an airstrip in Panama. - A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is unloaded at Aeropuerto International de Panama Pacifico, Panama, Aug. 10, 2025. The cargo was delivered to support U.S. Southern Command’s goal to expand its ongoing coordination, collaboration, and security efforts where U.S. military personnel and Panamanian security institutions can bolster collective capabilities and skills, as well as facilitate a combined joint learning environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julia Lebens)