ARSOF in Panama

U.S. Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) in Panama

On 20 December 1989, the U.S. military initiated Operation JUST CAUSE to remove Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, subdue the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF), protect American lives and property, and safeguard the Panama Canal. More than 27,000 U.S. military personnel, including 3,600 Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) soldiers, participated in the invasion. Noriega was captured, extradited, and convicted; the PDF was disbanded; and the three candidates who received the most votes in the nullified May 1989 presidential election were charged with standing up a new government. The stability mission (PROMOTE LIBERTY) lasted until 1991.

The materials available through this microsite provide a snapshot of ARSOF preparation for, and participation in, military operations in Panama, 1989-1991.

Company D, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion at the Balboa High School Displaced Civilians Facility

Averting Disaster

The U.S. military was slow in exercising Civil Affairs during and after Operation JUST CAUSE. This became evident when 11,000 refugees turned the Balboa High School grounds into an impromptu …

Civil Affairs Supports the Assault

Civil Affairs Supports the Assault

Three Company A, 96th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion soldiers attached to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment met a greater than anticipated challenge at the Torrijos International Airport Terminal …

‘Stop the Radio Nacional Broadcasts’

‘Stop the Radio Nacional Broadcasts’

Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (SFG) stopped the Panamanian Radio Nacional pro-Noriega messages on D-Day of Operation JUST CAUSE. Well-trained SF and Army Special Operations Aviation …

Absolute Confidence

Absolute Confidence

Frequent training between the 617th Special Operations Aviation Detachment and 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (3-7th SFG) in the months prior to Operations JUST CAUSE and PROMOTE LIBERTY laid the foundation for the accomplishment …

A Tale of Two Teams

A Tale of Two Teams

Since May 1989, there had been a Psychological Operations (PSYOP) tactical loudspeaker detachment in Panama. However, additional loudspeaker teams were needed to join combat forces for Operation JUST CAUSE, starting on 20 December 1989. 1st, 6th, and 8th PSYOP …

“Proving the Concept”

“Proving the Concept”

The 528th Support Battalion, a relatively new and untested unit, was facing inactivation on 20 December 1989. But, the 528th deployed two task-organized support elements to Panama during Operations JUST CAUSE and PROMOTE LIBERTY that caused the Army …

“No Ordinary Signal Unit”

“No Ordinary Signal Unit”

Formed in 1986, the 112th Signal Battalion first experienced combat in Panama, during Operation JUST CAUSE, December 1989. Their support to Special Operations Command, South, validated the need for a dedicated Army Special Operations signal battalion …

”Spreading the Word Fast”

“Spreading the Word Fast”

On CBS Evening News on 1 January 1990, anchorman Dan Rather displayed aerial imagery of the Papal Nunciature in Panama City, Panama, the hideout of dictator Manuel Noriega. After showing U.S. military roadblocks, Rather pointed to another spot, saying, “Over here . . . ”

Interview with COL (R) McCracken

VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken discusses C Company organization and missions in 1989.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken discusses Panama mission as planned.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken explains how rehearsals for combat operations in Panama contributed to the close relationship between 3/7th SFG and the 617th SOAD.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken outlines the Radio Nacional mission and composition of the force.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken reflects on his “absolute confidence” in 617th pilots and crew.

Interview with CW3 (R) Smith

VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith recalls rehearsals, and crawl, walk, run, prior to Just Cause.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith discusses 3/7th SFG and 617th SOAD interoperability during an interview in November 2019.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith runs down weapons used in mission.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith describes the challenging conditions 617th pilots overcame in allowing the assault force to fast rope onto the roof of the Contraloria General building.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith remembers entering the Radio Nacional office and discovering the source of the broadcasts.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith recalls his first opportunity to engage.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith highlights the training and commitment that led to mission success.

Interview with CSM (R) Lamb

VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses fast roping, rehearsals before Just Cause, and “tools of the trade.”
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses mission researsals.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb, C/3-7th SFG, details some of the tactical skills 3/7th SFG and the 617th SOAD refined prior to Operation JUST CAUSE.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb talks about limited intelligence available for Radio Nacional mission.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb remembers concerns with fast roping onto the building.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb recalls the pandemonium outside the building.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses mission takeaways.
Panamanian children express support for Operation JUST CAUSE, an indicator of U.S. Army PSYOP effectiveness.
ODA 793, SOT detachment, C/3/7th SFG. Standing (L-R): SFC Gary V. Jones, CPT Robert G. Louis, SSG Hector L. Ramos, SSG John M. Heisse. Kneeling: SGT Mark A. Ross, SSG Deams B. Smith, SSG Jeffery A. Lett.
SSG Earl G. Meyer, left, and SSG Deams B. Smith, right, of ODA 793, Company C, 3-7th SFG, prior to departure for the Radio Nacional mission. Meyer’s primary weapon is the Colt Commando CAR-15 assault rifle while Smith has an MP5 submachine gun with suppressor. On the wall is a map of Panama used in mission planning.
SFC Richard C. Lamb, ODA 795, Company C, 3-7th SFG, prepares a fast rope from a UH-1 Huey helicopter in Panama during training before Operation JUST CAUSE. SFC Christopher R. Zets assists from inside.
3D Graphic of C/3-7th SFG Assault on Radio Nacional. After fast roping on the building roof, the assault element cleared down to offices on the seventh floor.
Post-mission photo of the target building, the smoke damage from the fire is clearly visible.
The 617th SOAD and Company C, 3-7th SFG demonstrate fast roping and insertion onto a multi-story building during the early-1990s. The units trained the same tactics in preparation for Operation JUST CAUSE.
Colonel John N. Dailey accepts the 617th guidon from Major (MAJ) Kenneth J. Himmerlick, and prepares to pass it to the new company commander, MAJ Richard D. Compton, in July 1989.
High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) with a mounted 450-watt AN/UIH-6A loudspeaker.
The 250-watt ‘man-packed’ AN/UIH-6 loudspeaker was taken on and off like a backpack, and had an average audible range of a quarter to half a mile.
1/75th Ranger Regiment soldiers prepare to load onto C-141 Starlifter aircraft, 19 December 1989 (photo from Gordon L. Rottman, Panama 1989-90 [New York: Osprey Publishing, 1991], used with permission).
U.S. Air Force C-141 Starlifter
Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina.
PDF soldiers encountered by U.S. soldiers were well-trained and well-equipped, with the same or similar uniforms, body armor, ALICE gear, and weapons.
The PDF 2nd Infantry Company barracks was adjacent to the Torrijos-Tocumen complex.
Face-to-face conversations with the civilian population was a key to building goodwill between Panamanians and the U.S. military.
Aerial view of Torrijos-Tocumen complex.
Supporting the TF RED-Tango airborne assault, the 1st POB loudspeaker teams landed hard on the runway of Torrijos-Tocumen.
82nd Airborne Division/TF PACIFIC soldiers en route to Panama.
Soldiers move to their assigned locations at the airport, just after sunrise on 20 December 1989.
82nd Airborne Division soldiers of TF PACIFIC moved from Torrijos-Tocumen to their assigned objectives via UH-60 helicopters.
Aerial view of the PDF 1st Infantry Company complex atop a 400-meter high hill in Tinajitas.
The Rangers did not know if those in civilian clothes were actually innocent bystanders or PDF. They searched and flex-tied each detainee, and then ascertained their status.
1/504th PIR soldiers assault the 1st Infantry Company complex at Tinajitas.
1/75th Ranger Regiment soldier pulls security at Tocumen.
528th Support Battalion soldiers form up for an awards ceremony outside their headquarters at the “Old Stockade” facility, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, circa 1989.
FARP Team on training jump
350 gallon-per-minute (GPM) pumps
10,000 gallon petroleum storage bags
A different FARP fuels Special Operations helicopters near La Paz, Panama.
Soldiers connect 4-inch hoses to the 10,000 gallon collapsible fuel bags. The bags are emplaced with the help of U.S. Army Engineers, who build protective berms around the site.
528th Commander, Lieutenant Colonel David L. Shaw, meets the FARP team at Howard Air Force Base in late December, 1989. Staff Sergeant Sammie L. Mitchell (center-left), the team’s leader, listens intently.
Captain (CPT) Robert T. Davis, 528th SOSB Operations Officer, pauses for a photo with Sergeant First Class (SFC) James E. Boone, shortly after arriving in Panama.
(L-R) SFC James Boone, Sergeant (SGT), Stephen R. Anderson, and CPT Mark A. Olinger with their M1008 Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV). SGT Anderson (center) shows off captured Panamanian M-16 rifles that had been cached by forces loyal to General Manuel Noriega. Notice the markings on the tailgate of the CUCV.
A critical H-Hour objective for 7th Special Forces Group (SFG) was to prevent the Panama Defense Forces (PDF) Battalion 2000 garrisoned at Fort Cimmaron from reinforcing PDF units in Panama City. Seizing the Pacora River Bridge, pictured here, was key to that mission. The task fell to 24 Green Berets from 1st and 3rd Battalions, 7th SFG, led by Major Kevin M. Higgins.
112th Signal Battalion soldiers pose outside their temporary battalion headquarters near Gruber Road on Fort Bragg, NC, circa fall 1986. The battalion relocated across post early the following year. (Photo Courtesy of William D. Childs)
Soldiers from Company A, 112th Signal Battalion conduct an engine running operation (i.e. ‘hot load’) onto a waiting C-130 Hercules aircraft in preparation for an airborne operation at Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, NC in March 1990. The Airborne requirement helped build esprit de corps and promoted an elite mindset among 112th soldiers. <i>(Photo courtesy of James S. Kestner)</i>
To make its AN/TSC-93A satellite terminal transportable on a C-130 aircraft, the 112th Signal Battalion worked with the 528th Special Operations Support Battalion and Tobyhanna Army Depot to modify a standard M-1028 Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle, seen here, with dual-wheel rear axle. The project was completed in June 1988, and field-tested during the FLINTLOCK exercise of U.S. European Command.
The Bridge of the Americas spans the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, near Panama City. During JUST CAUSE, it provided a ground link between Howard Air Force Base on the canal’s west side, and the constellation of U.S. bases to the east, including Albrook Air Station. 112th Signal Battalion soldiers deployed to Panama for JUST CAUSE arrived at Howard, then reported to SOCSOUTH HQ at Albrook.
(L-R) Sergeant First Class (SFC) Robert Malton and Captain (CPT) James S. ‘Steve’ Kestner, Company A, 112th Signal Battalion, conduct sustained airborne training at ‘Green Ramp,’ Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, December 1989. Their jump that day was ultimately cancelled due to U.S. Air Force repositioning of aircraft for the impending invasion of Panama (Operation JUST CAUSE). By 20 December 1989, the two men were on their way to Panama to ‘plus up’ 112th Signal Battalion signal support to SOCSOUTH. (Photo courtesy of James S. Kestner)
(L-R): Sergeant (SGT) William D. Childs, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Henry N. McCrae, and SGT Darell A. Brown pose in the SOCSOUTH radio room at Albrook Air Station in January 1990. All three were seasoned Special Operations Communications Assemblage (SOCA) operators, having multiple deployments to their credit. JUST CAUSE provided them their first combat deployment. (Photo Courtesy of William D. Childs)
SGT Childs was one of three 112th NCOs that SOCSOUTH Commander, Colonel Robert C. ‘Jake’ Jacobelly took with him to La Comandancia, former Panama Defense Forces (PDF) headquarters in early January 1990. (Photo Courtesy of William D. Childs)
SGT Childs was one of three 112th NCOs that SOCSOUTH Commander, Colonel Robert C. ‘Jake’ Jacobelly took with him to La Comandancia, former Panama Defense Forces (PDF) headquarters in early January 1990. (Photo Courtesy of William D. Childs)
In David, Panama, the SOCA team supporting Operational Detachment Alpha 773 operated out of the local police headquarters. The SOCA set-up pictured here included TTY-76 teletype, AN/PCS-3 UHF satellite communications radio, AN/PRC-70 FM radio, various encryption devices, a power supply, data modem, and portable generator. The team’s facsimile (fax) machine is located between the two racks. (Photo Courtesy of William D. Childs)
CPT Steve Kestner (right) hands off the Company A, 112th Signal Battalion guidon to his battalion commander, LTC Steven R. Sawdey, at a June 1990 change-of-command ceremony. Incoming commander, CPT Eric G. David (center), stands ready to receive it. Kestner, David, and Sawdey all deployed to Panama during Operation JUST CAUSE. (Photo courtesy of James S. Kestner)
The tactical satellite antenna damaged by hostile fire at Albrook Air Station, Panama, in December 1989 was returned to Fort Bragg, NC, following JUST CAUSE. LTC Sawdey had it mounted to a wooden base and donated it to the battalion. It became the 112th Signal Battalion Commander’s Trophy.
A close-up of the antenna reveals the bullet hole near its base that rendered it inoperable.
The inscription on the base of the 112th Signal Battalion Commander’s Trophy describes the situation at the time it was damaged. The names of Company Commander and First Sergeant from each year’s winning company line the top and bottom of the base.

Panama, 1989

Overview of Panama, 1989
Overview of Panama, 1989

Panamanian Defense Forces and ‘Dignity Battalions,’ 1989

Panama Country Study National Security
Panama Country Study National Security
Panamanian Defense Force Order of Battle
Panamanian Defense Force Order of Battle
Digbat Description
Digbat Description

U.S. Operational Plans Leading to JUST CAUSE

Panama Planning
Panama Planning
Panama Oplans/Opords
Panama Oplans/Opords
Concept by phase
Concept by phase

U.S. Task Organization for JUST CAUSE

List of Participating Units
List of Participating Units
XVIII Airborne and JTF South Org
XVIII Airborne and JTF South Org
U.S. Order of Battle Charts
U.S. Order of Battle Charts
Task Organization, JUST CAUSE
Task Organization, JUST CAUSE
U.S. Force Structure
U.S. Force Structure
U.S. Force Buildup in Panama
U.S. Force Buildup in Panama

Targeting Folders for JUST CAUSE

7th SFG Targets
7th SFG Targets

7th SFG Organization and Equipment, 1989

7th SFG AHR Basic Organization And Equipment 1989
7th SFG AHR Basic Organization And Equipment 1989
Doctrine for Special Forces Operations, April 1990
Doctrine for Special Forces Operations, April 1990

7th SFG during Combat Operations

USASOC Standing Up Macom selected pages
USASOC Standing Up Macom selected pages
USASOUTH ACH Extract FY 90
USASOUTH ACH Extract FY 90

7th SFG during Stability Operations

Promote LIBERTY ODB 750
Promote LIBERTY ODB 750
Promote LIBERTY Slides
Promote LIBERTY Slides
USAR SOUTH ACH FY 90 Extract Promote LIBERTY
USAR SOUTH ACH FY 90 Extract Promote LIBERTY
Fishel Fog of Peace
Fishel Fog of Peace

7th SFG After Action Reports and Lessons Learned

7th SFG AAR-TV Tower
7th SFG AAR-TV Tower
7th SFG Promote Liberty Command Visit
7th SFG Promote LIBERTY Command Visit
ODA 793 AAR
ODA 793 AAR
ODA AAR 2nd Bn 7th SFG
ODA AAR 2nd Bn 7th SFG
VN and JC ROE brief summary
VN and JC ROE brief summary

Timelines and Context, 1989

13 January 1989
13 January 1989
24 February 1989
24 February 1989
12 May 1989
12 May 1989
12 May 1989
12 May 1989
16 May 1989
16 May 1989
20 May 1989
20 May 1989
10 August 1989
10 August 1989
24 August 1989
24 August 1989
4 October 1989
4 October 1989
5 October 1989
5 October 1989
6 October 1989
6 October 1989
27 October 1989
27 October 1989
5 November 1989
5 November 1989
17 November 1989
17 November 1989
19 December 1989
19 December 1989
20 December 1989
20 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989
21 December 1989

Joint and Army Special Operations Commands, 1989

1st SOCOM org chart 1 Dec 1989
1st SOCOM org chart 1 Dec 1989
Strategic SOF timeline
Strategic SOF timeline
USASOC Org Chart 1 December 1989
USASOC Org Chart 1 December 1989

75th Ranger Regiment, 1989

Rangers in JUST CAUSE
Rangers in
JUST CAUSE
Task Force Red-R at Rio Hato
Task Force Red-R at Rio Hato

617th Special Operations Aviation Detachment, 1989

1st SOCOM SitRep_28 Dec
1st SOCOM SitRep 28 Dec
160th Structure_Circa 1990_CMH
160th Structure Circa 1990_CMH
Deployment Status-Indiviuals deployed per unit
Deployment Status Indiviuals deployed per unit
U_CMD-TASK ORG
U_CMD-TASK ORG

4th Psychological Operations Group, 1989

Psychological Operations
Psychological Operations
Psyop Propaganda Development
Psyop Propaganda Development
Psychological Operations
Psychological Operations

96th Civil Affairs Battalion, 1989

A Real-Life Mission Helping Real-Life People
Article: A Real-Life Mission Helping Real-Life People
Civil Affairs in Special Warfare
Article: Civil Affairs in Special Warfare
CA in Just Cause Briefing
CA in Just Cause Briefing
CA org charts
CA org charts
CA support to SOF
CA support to SOF

ARSOF Support, 1989

112th Special Operations Signal Battalion (Airborne)
112th Special Operations Signal Battalion (Airborne)
Special Operations Communications Battalion
Special Operations Communications Battalion
Special Operations Support Battalion (Airborne)
Special Operations Support Battalion (Airborne)
Late Deployment of FARRP Team
Late Deployment of FARRP Team

General Resources

The U.S. Military Intervention in Panama: Origins, Planning, and Crisis Management
The U.S. Military Intervention in Panama: Origins, Planning…
The U.S. Military Intervention in Panama: Operation Just Cause
The U.S. Military Intervention in Panama: Operation Just Cause
Operation Just Cause: The Incursion into Panama
Operation Just Cause: The Incursion into Panama
Operation Just Cause: The Planning and Execution of Joint Operations in Panama
Operation Just Cause: The Planning and Execution of Joint…
Panama: A Country Study
Panama: A Country Study
Cerro Tigre
Cerro Tigre
Tinajitas
Tinajitas
Fort Cimarron
Fort Cimarron
Pacora Bridge
Pacora Bridge
Alcalde Diaz
Alcalde Diaz
Amador
Amador
Balboa
Balboa
Ciudad de Panama
Ciudad de Panama
Cristobal Colon
Cristobal Colon
David
David
Empire Area
Empire Area
Flamenco
Flamenco
Ft Clayton and area
Ft Clayton and area
Ft Clayton
Ft Clayton
Gamboa
Gamboa
Installations of Panama
Installations
Ciudad de Panama
Ciudad de Panama
Panama and Vicinity
Panama and Vicinity
Panama Canal Treaty
Panama Canal Treaty
Panama City and Vicinity
Panama City
Panama CZ MRS
Panama CZ MRS
Panama CZ Road
Panama CZ Road
Panama Viejo
Panama Viejo
Panama
Panamá
Pina Training Area
Piña Training Area
Playa de Farfan
Playa de Farfan
Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Santa Clara/Rio Hato
Santa Clara/Río Hato
U.S. Army South, Ft. Clayton, Panama
U.S. Army South