In 1967 during the III Inter-American Conference of Chiefs of Naval Communications, the Ecuadorian Delegation presented a proposition to create the Network Secretariat, who will be in charge to compile and distribute information relating the network and to the communication conferences. The United States Navy constituted as the Network Secretariat located as interim headquarters in the offices of the Communications Director in Washington.
(Source: www.iantn.navy.mil)

   In 1972 the permanent Network Secretariat was located in Balboa, Panama under the responsibility of the United States Navy.
(Source: www.iantn.navy.mil)

   Between 1972 and 1974 the Inter-American Naval Telecommunications Network (IANTN) Communications Assistance Team (CAT) was created. Its function was to provide formal training, technical assistance and for newly installed communications equipment.

    In 1976, the VIII Inter-American Naval Conference approved the organization of the Network Secretariat, incorporating officers of the Latin American Navies.
(Source: www.iantn.navy.mil)

   In 1983 with the closure of US NAVCOMMSTA Balboa the Inter-American Naval Telecommunications Network (IANTN) Farfan Detachment realigned under NAVCAMSLANT, Norfolk, VA and remained there until the programmed demobilization of United States of America naval forces located in Panama, in 1994.

   At Farfan the Secretariat was comprised of 5 naval officers from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States in addition to one translator civilian position. The Secretariat's charter was to advise all Navy members in the field of communications and administer all the publications, documentation and information of the IANTN.

   The USN Det, within the chain of command of NAVCAMSLANT, Norfolk VA, continued the unique requirement of supporting the IANTN Secretariat. In addition it was the communications hub of and technical assistance to the 11 member countries of this international organization hosted by the US navy.

   The USN Det was manned by a diverse group of naval military and civilian personnel of mainly Hispanic origin or with others with Spanish language capabilities. Under the leadership of a US Navy Lieutenant the Det was the hub of the IANTN communications. The Det supported the communications links between all member nations through a 24/7 operation with record and voice communications as well as electronic maintenance personnel for the Panama group.

   A significant part of the Det was the IANTN Communication Assistance Team (CAT) which dispatched technical teams to provide required technical assistance to the member nations. At some point this group merged with the Electronics Repair Shop. In 1988/89 the IANTN went through a retrofit. The CAT was once again in full swing. It developed new training curriculum in English and Spanish and installed the Farfan classroom equipment. As in earlier years, the CAT also provided all personnel/equipment logistics for both the Farfan school and in-country support of equipment installation and training for each member nation.

   The value of our civilians cannot over stress. They provided the group with the kind of support and continuity that stems from longevity and consistent dedication.

   This unique structure brought about close and life long friendships. We have taken upon ourselves to do our best to insure we maintain contact with each other and exert our efforts to locate others wherever they may be.

   According to the programmed demobilization of United States of America naval forces located in Panama, in 1994 the Network Secretariat was transferred to the U. S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Puerto Rico on board the U.S. Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads. Likewise the same year, the replacement of the HF equipment took place and the network communication system (VSAT) was activated by satellite. (Source: www.iantn.navy.mil)

   This web site is to provide those people attached to IANTN in Panama with a central point of contact and information for  IANTN reunions.

   We hope that this website will serve as a vehicle for all the IANTN family to keep in touch in the years to come.