The Panama Canal is a strategic artery of global commerce and a linchpin of U.S. national security. Control over this chokepoint ensures rapid naval mobility between the Atlantic and Pacific, a critical advantage in both peacetime logistics and wartime operations. Since its completion in 1914, the canal has played a decisive role in American military strategy, allowing for quick force projection and supply chain continuity. Its transfer to Panama in 1999 raised concerns over foreign influence, particularly China's expanding footprint in the region. With global tensions rising and supply chains under strain, securing the canal remains a top-tier national security priority for the United States.