Army Aviation in Operation Just Cause

Abstract : At 0100, 20 December 1989, aircraft belonging to the 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation; Task Force HAWK; 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (ABN); and the 1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation deployed throughout the Republic of Panama to conduct air assaults and attack operations to initiate Operation JUST CAUSE-- to rid Panama of the tyrannical dictator, Manuel Noriega. This paper describes the participating aviation units, key commanders and staff, and analyzes aviation operations that were essential to the success of initial Operation JUST CAUSE missions and follow-on operations. This was the first time in history that Night Vision Goggles(NVG) were used in actual combat operations. This paper documents the aviation forces, their historical background, training, command relationships, operations, combat service support, airspace management, D-day crews, and battle damaged aircraft. This analysis suggests future considerations regarding the role of aviation in contingency operations. Discussion of the involvement of Task Force 160 Special operations Aviation is limited to unclassified information. Contains comprehensive bibliography of Operation JUST CAUSE.