U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Keiron Williams of USCGC Mohawk secures the forecastle of HMNLS Amsterdam during a compliant-boarding exercise in the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 15. The training occurred during FA PANAMAX 2009, one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world. PANAMAX is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama from Sept. 11 to 22 with the participation of civil and military forces. More than 20 vessels and a dozen aircraft are involved in the exercises. Participants are focusing on a variety of responses to any request from the government of Panama to protect and guarantee safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensure its neutrality, and respect national sovereignty. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.