Southern Seas 2026: U.S.-Mexico Naval Exercises Explained

Last month, Mexican Navy (Marina) sailors aboard the Reformador-class frigate ARM Benito Juárez (POLA 101) conducted a subject matter expert exchange with the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) in the Pacific Ocean.

As part of Southern Seas 2026, the USS Gridley also conducted a passing exercise with Secretaría de Marina‘s ARM Benito Juárez during a Mexico-U.S. bilateral maritime engagement. Southern Seas 2026 aims to enhance capabilities, improve interoperability, and strengthen maritime partnerships.

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This engagement highlights the decades-long partnership between the U.S. and Mexico, built on trust, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty. Together, we continue to enhance operational readiness and coordination to address shared maritime challenges.