Operation Just Cause still important 20 years later Published Dec. 8, 2009 By Keith Alexander and Dave Schepp 1st Special Operations Wing History Office HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In December 1989, tensions between Panama and the United States came to a head when the government of Panama declared a state of war. President George H.W. Bush authorized Operation Just Cause, an operation designed to remove Gen. Manuel Noriega and bring him to justice for drug trafficking charges, protect American personnel and interests in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaty, and restore democracy and the establishment of an elected government. The 1st Special Operations Wing, under the leadership of Col. George A. Gray III, played a pivotal role in the operation, providing the preponderance of aerial firepower and airlift support to the special operations task forces. The wing provided AC-130H Spectre gunships from the 16th Special Operations Squadron, MC-130E Combat Talon I aircraft from the 8th SOS, HC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft from the 9th SOS, MH-53 PAVE LOW helicopters from the 20th SOS, and MH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters from the 55th SOS. In addition, the 919th SOW provided AC-130A gunships from the 711th Special Operations Squadron. During Operation Just Cause, the 1st SOW participated in varied roles at a number of locations. In the early part of the operation, United States combat units struck Torrijas International Airport and Tocumen Military Airfield. This assault commenced when an AC-130H opened fired on the PDF barracks, guard posts, and a ZPU-4 anti-aircraft position. The crew destroyed these targets, allowing the crew to concentrate its efforts against three .50-caliber machine gun positions. With the destruction of the machine gun positions, the AC-130 had neutralized the known external threats, paving the way for the airborne troops to enter the fray. At Rio Hato Airfield, three MC-130E airplanes approached the runway, despite numerous ongoing firefights. Landing through the use of radar and night vision goggles, the Talons rolled to a prescribed point on the ground. Once there, these aircraft established a forward aerial refueling and rearming point. While these crews offloaded fuel for two hours, the battle raged around them. One crew had to shut down their number four engine when it incurred damage from flying debris. Disregarding their personal safety, this crew took off with three engines in the dark. According to the crew's award package, this was "the first recorded three-engine takeoff under such conditions ..." The 1st SOW's MH-53 helicopters performed several key missions operating under fragmentary orders. For example, SEAL Team 4 needed immediate help at Paitilla Airport, where they encountered a large enemy presence. The task force dispatched a 20th SOS MH-53 carrying a 13-man team. During this hasty flight, the 20th SOS helicopter flew at tree top level under blackout conditions. "Without regard for their own personal safety, the crew flew a tactical approach ... over enemy positions ..." landing "beside the SEAL team." After offloading the reinforcements, the PAVE LOW launched again, but remained in the area. The helicopter crew circled overhead drawing enemy fire away from the embattled SEAL team, giving the SEAL team time to consolidate their position. Altogether, the 1st SOW committed 500 members and 21 aircraft to the operation, amazingly suffering no casualties. Crews flew more than 1,200 hours, expended more than 70,000 rounds of various munitions, and transported more than 500 special forces personnel into hostile areas. For their efforts, the wing received the American Forces Expeditionary Streamer (Dec. 20, 1989 - Jan. 31, 1990) and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for Operation Just Cause. The wing also received the "Air Force Daedalian Maintenance Award ..." "for extraordinary maintenance efforts during Operation Just Cause." At the same time, the 16th SOS was given the David C. Shilling Award for Flight. Among individuals, members received one Bronze Star Medal, one Airman's Medal, 12 Air Force Achievement Medals, 17 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 51 Air Medals, and 254 Air Force Commendation Medals, 99 awarded for the hazardous flight to Panama itself. On Dec. 18 at 10 a.m., the 1st SOW will conduct a ceremony at the Hurlburt Air Park commemorating the 20th anniversary of Operation Just Cause.