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Operation Just Cause

Patilla Airfield

Punta Paitilla airfield which was the H-Hour objective of U.S. Navy SEALs. This aerial photograph was taken on 4 January 1990 from the southeast. This provides an excellent view of the airfield, sea approach routes, and proximity to the hotel (left side of photo, red vertical stripe) from which SEAL snipers hoped to provide supporting fire. This request was denied by senior commanders. It also shows the line of hangers in which Manuel Noriega kept his private jet (small line of one story buildings near the midsection of the runway on the city side). Punta Patilla is one of eight main fields in Panama, including one international airport: General Omar Torrijos International Airport, more commonly known as Tocumen International Airport, near Panama City.

SEALs at Patilla Airfield - Case study. Also a good pic of Noriega's well-ventilated private jet.

MilNet - some brief info on Patilla

Panamanian Air Force and National Navy - Library of Congress Info (1987, prior to the assault)

The Panama Defense Forces - Same resource

For information on Navy SEALs, click here.

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