WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently concluded a high-profile visit to Panama, where he secured major agreements addressing U.S. access to the Panama Canal while tackling broader Department of Defense priorities. During the same week, Hegseth updated leaders on the Middle East, rolled out plans to reinstate service members separated over COVID-19 vaccine refusals, and announced significant budgetary reforms.
Hegseth’s Panama visit resulted in a memorandum of understanding and a joint declaration with Panamanian officials that guarantees U.S. warships “first and free” passage through the vital Panama Canal. The agreements also bolster joint military training and security efforts. “The Panama Canal is key terrain that must be secured by Panama, with America, and not China,” Hegseth said, as he emphasized countering Chinese influence in the region.
During the visit, bilateral discussions extended to other pressing issues, such as combating cartel activity and mass migration. Hegseth praised Panama’s efforts in the Darién Gap, noting a 99% drop in crossings over the past year.
Hegseth also turned his attention to tensions in the Middle East. During a White House briefing with President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defense secretary detailed ongoing U.S. military actions against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. “It’s been a devastating campaign,” he remarked, referencing precision strikes on Houthi equipment and facilities. Hegseth warned that efforts would not relent until Houthi forces ceased their attacks on U.S. vessels.
On the domestic front, the Department of Defense has launched a comprehensive effort to reach more than 8,000 service members who were involuntarily separated due to their refusal to comply with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, repealed in 2022. The outreach includes letters of apology and detailed instructions for returning to service. “The department began outreach to ensure service members…received clear information on how to pursue reinstatement,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated.
Hegseth also announced cost-cutting reforms aimed at reallocating resources to operational priorities. A recent memorandum eliminated $5.1 billion in nonessential contracts, including consulting and duplicative IT services. “These contracts represent nonessential spending…more efficiently performed by the highly skilled members of our DOD workforce,” Hegseth wrote.
Finally, Pentagon leadership has been bolstered by the confirmation of Bridge Colby as Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. Colby, sworn in on April 9, will play a key role in shaping defense strategies under Hegseth’s “America First” directive.
These developments underscore Hegseth’s dual emphasis on strengthening partnerships abroad and reforming operations at home to enhance U.S. defense capabilities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.