Military Leftovers from the US

Some of Panama's most intriguing landmarks are the abandoned bases left from the US military involvements in the 20th century.  These bases serve as stark reminders not only of the extensive canal construction, but also of the brief US invasion that eventually ensued.

One of these, the Howard Air Force Base, was first used during WWII and is now home to a Dell Computers call center, my source of employment.  I tried to shoot some photos during a joyride with my family, but we were approached by a Panamanian officer who informed us that photography of old buildings within the bases is strictly prohibited.  Fortunately for my blog viewers, he didn't delete the pictures I had already taken:  

Dell 

A residential building

A bunker from WWII

The same bunker - inside the gate 

Howard as seen today

Some of the bases have been developed into residential areas and shopping attractions.  The Howard Base is no exception:  Panamá Pacífico has been in development since 2007 and will be one of the largest real estate projects implemented in the country.  

A residential area in Howard

In other areas of Panama, the military buildings have been left virtually untouched.  Their general dilapidation lends to an eerie atmosphere: 

  

All of the bases were handed over to the Panamanian government in 1999 in accordance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and were subsequently auctioned off to the highest bidders.  Some were sold faster than others - Panama's biggest shopping mall was established in Albrook, Clayton and Sherman were converted into residential areas, and Amador was transformed into a series of touristic islands, but more isolated areas such as Howard were not bought and developed until relatively recently.  

Albrook Mall

Clayton

Amador

Though the deteriorating bases do not add much touristic value, those interested in the more historic elements would no doubt enjoy a cruise through any of the previous military establishments in Panama.  Other visitors would perhaps enjoy the more dated ruins of Panama's Spanish inhabitants from the 16th century - Panamá la Vieja and Portobelo (coming soon).