"Navy SEALs entrust their lives to their training." "But no matter they how much prepare, they often face the unexpected." "When sent to seize Panamanian dictator Noriega, everything goes wrong." "America's elite forces are ambushed and in a fire-fight for their lives." "ln 1961, an elite team of Special Forces was created for covert operations on the sea, air, and land." "Their missions have been kept secret for national security reasons." "Who they are, and what they do, has remained shrouded in secrecy." "Now, based on first hand accounts of classified operations, these are the untold stories of the Navy SEALs." "December 1989." "The Central American country of Panama was in chaos." "ln an effort to control protests against his regime, dictator Manuel Noriega ordered his PDF - or Panamanian Defense Forces" " to clamp down on the civilian population and the U.S. troops stationed there." "The PDF heavily fortified their headquarters and set up rigid curfews." "All cars were stopped and checked for violations." "On the night of December 16th, four United States Marines got lost on their way back to their barracks." "They claimed they accidentally wound up at PDF headquarters... after curfew." "The PDF soldiers were immediately suspicious." "Tensions mounted as the Panamanians sought to assert their authority." "The Americans' realized they were in imminent danger... and decided to make a run for it." "The PDF opened fire - shooting to kill." "ln the barrage of gunfire that followed Lieutenant Robert Paz, a marine intelligence officer was hit." "He died later that night." "Just stay calm." "Tom Marcotte, a naval officer stationed in the Canal Zone, was out with his wife, Carol." "They now found themselves witnesses to the violent assault of the American Marines." "Tom, this is serious." "What do you want?" "What's going on here?" "The PDF was not interested in hearing explanations." "Hey, leave her alone." "The Marcotte's were brutally beaten, and detained for hours." "Eventually, they were released." "But the incident triggered outrage in the U.S." "Already, international public opinion had turned against Noriega for denying the elections that would have replaced him." "Now the killing of a U.S. Marine and the brutal victimization of the naval couple pushed the situation beyond the breaking point." "President George Bush promised action and vowed to bring the renegade dictator to justice." "The day after the assault, Bush secretly ordered preparation for invasion of Panama by American forces." "Noriega remained defiant and his supporters accused the U.S. government of plotting to overthrow him and his regime." "Once cooperative with the ClA, facts had emerged that clearly linked Noriega with illegal drug trafficking." "He was also using his army to harass and intimidate those who opposed him." "When the dictator canceled democratic elections, massive protests erupted." "The U.S. federal courts brought formal charges against him." "He was officially a wanted criminal." "ln December, the Panamanian National Assembly, a body appointed by Noriega, declared a state of emergency, and named him "Head of State"." "Yet capturing Noriega was not going to be easy." "ln order to defeat his PDF, it would require a massive joint services invasion." "War planners would employ every branch of the military, including the Navy SEALs." "Overseeing the SEALs at JSOC, or Joint Special Operations Command, was Admiral Larry Walker." "Given the strength of the PDF ground forces he knew his SEAL Teams would be facing one of their stiffest challenges." "The war planners expected that once the invasion began," "Noriega would attempt to flee the country in his private plane kept at Paitilla Airport." "The SEALs had a specific mission;" "take Paitilla airport, block his escape and capture him if he arrived." "Walker hand picked Lt. Commander Mike Dillon to lead the raid." "This is our target." "He had proved himself in other conflicts around the globe." "He could manage a combat situation and had earned the respect of his men." "The SEALs covert assault on Paitilla included taking out the PDF soldiers stationed there,... then neutralizing the plane quickly and decisively." "Good job, gentlemen." "Bring it in!" "This was only an exercise, but the SEALs' rehearsal was crucial to their success." "We need to make that communication between Golf and Bravo..." "Timing was critical." "Once the invasion began, the SEALs would have just 15 minutes to complete their mission." "Otherwise Noriega, who was only twenty minutes from the airfield, could take flight and they'd lose him." "Dillon was commanding 48 men to take down the airfield." "Overseeing a precision tactics group this large posed problems." "It would restrict their flexibility." "It also made them a bigger target, more easily spotted by the enemy." "Maintaining their stealth was imperative to mission success." "With only 36 hours till the mission began, the SEALs were still training in what amounted to a crash course in multi-platoon tactics." "One platoon would get in close enough to take out Noriega's jet with sniper fire." "And Dillon had the shooters who could do just that." "One member of his platoon, Ed Marlowe, could pinpoint a target from 800 yards." "A few well-placed shots could destroy the landing gear and prevent the situation from escalating." "This would eliminate the threat of engaging the enemy and thereby minimized the SEALs' risk." "To further block Noriega's escape, the SEALs had to penetrate the airfield... disable other smaller aircraft that Noriega might commandeer... and also push some of these planes into position to block the runway." "This presented its own set of problems." "lntelligence reported that many of the light aircraft at Paitilla belonged to Columbian drug runners and were kept under armed guard." "Although intelligence predicted only "light resistance" at the hangar, they didn't have exact numbers." "Estimates ranged from ten to thirty PDF soldiers." "For a successful assault," "Dillon knew it was best to have a three to one advantage." "That meant he would need as many as 90 SEALs." "The 48 assigned to him would not be enough." "But the navy brass felt they could make-up for any ground force disadvantage with Air Force gunships." "The SEALs' superiors wanted to utilize the Air force's state-of-the art gunship, the AC 130 Spectre." "The Spectre's pinpoint accuracy could annihilate large numbers of troops, destroy tanks, APCs, buildings... anything in its sites from thousands of feet above the battlefield." "It also carried sophisticated surveillance equipment, and could monitor activity on the ground... even in total darkness." "Dillon was glad to have the support, but he wondered if they would be maximizing the SEALs' unique capabilities that had proven to be so successful in the past:" "get in quickly, complete the mission and get out... all without detection." "All right, gentlemen, a lot of bodies on the ground with close air support." "The SEALs got word that the mission was on." "After running their last dress rehearsal they assembled for their final briefing." "Attention on deck." "As you were." "The SEALs were divided into three platoons:" "Delta, Bravo, and Golf." "Admiral Walker had placed Captain Mark Monte as point man on the operations side of the mission." "He would be coordinating the assault from JSOC headquarters." "Golf platoon would be lead by Lieutenant Gil Trottmap." "He would maneuver into position to disable Noriega's plane." "Bravo platoon, lead by Pettty Officer Trevor Hill, would neutralize any resistance from the drug runners security force and block the runways with the light aircraft." "Delta platoon, lead by Dillon, would secure a perimeter and back up the others." "Surprise was crucial." "Under the cover of darkness, they would take Zodiac rafts to Paitilla, sneak ashore, and then onto the airfield." "Dillon remained concerned about detection." "The Lt. Commander is going to be passing out some photographs, overheads of the runway." "The airport's well lit runways and tarmacs would offer no cover as they advanced on the hangar." "Sir, do we still have backup that will be covering the approaches in the event the Panamanians send reinforcements?" "We only anticipate that there will be ten to fifteen Panamanians in the area." "But other reports placed the number much higher." "With only hours before the invasion launch, intelligence still did not have accurate estimates of enemy troop strengths at the PDF hangar." "The SEALs were confident they could overcome any increased resistance, until the war planners dropped a bombshell..." "At this point in time, I want to bring in the intelligence officer who is going to inform you of the rules of engagement." "The SEALs,/indeed the entire invasion force, would be required to follow highly restrictive rules of engagement mandated by the State Department." "They could not fire unless fired upon." "This rule eliminated the SEALs' preferred tactic of "reconnaissance by fire"." "ln a high risk military insertion, the SEALs "shoot first and ask questions later"." "But now they were being restrained." "They also were to avoid inflicting collateral damage to Panamanian assets." "The U.S. government wanted to hand over existing Panamanian property to the new government with minimal damage which meant they would have to disable Noriega's jet without destroying it." "Opposition to the plan began to surface." "Lt. Commander Wayne McCarty, who oversaw the SEALs training, was concerned about the severe rules of engagement." "...very small number of SEALs." "This plan was designed to create casualties." "McCarty worried that assaulting a hangar across an open runway could spell disaster for the men." "He could not, in good conscience, sign off on what he perceived as a potential suicide mission." "And he let his opinion be known." "Are you going to sign off on this?" "No, sir." "Then you're dismissed." "The military brass was determined to move forward with their plan" " despite McCarty's protests." "Stifled by State Department restrictions, the SEALs were ordered to move out." "At 1,300 hundred hours on December 19th, they left for Panama." "Alright, gentlemen, let's make sure we have everything." "Check your weapons and gear." "Ten minutes from now is going to be a bad time to realize you left something at home." "As Americans and Panamanians alike were preparing for Christmas, now only a week away, the SEALs left their Virginia base." "They could tell their loved ones nothing of the danger they were flying into." "The SEALs prepared for their mission in Panama." "The U.S. military invasion would begin in a few hours." "Even as the strike force moved into position," "Noriega was busy beefing up his defenses." "He expected the Americans would invade and he planned to mount a vigorous response." "Despite the gravity of the situation," "Dillon tried to maintain the morale of his troops." "Listen up, gentlemen." "We have a little matter to dispense with." "Mr. Rodriquez, front and center." "Seaman lke Rodriquez, as you have successfully completed all requirements and training, it is my pride and privilege to present to you your Trident." "You're manhood!" "Way to go, Ike!" "Rodriguez had proven himself through rigorous training and in countless exercises with his platoon." "He had earned the right to wear the SEALs most coveted medal" " the SEAL Trident." "All right, gentlemen, unfortunately, we're gonna have to postpone the celebration until after our work in Panama is done." "It's no exercise, gentleman." "Any mistake from here on out will cost more than your pride." "ln addition to the twelve thousand military personnel already in Panama, the United States flew in forty-two hundred Special Forces that would initialize the invasion." "It was the largest American airborne operation since World War ll." "There had been increased diplomatic efforts by the world community to resolve the conflict in Panama." "However, when talks broke down, Noriega and his officers knew the Americans would take military action." "They didn't know how or when." "The Panamanians routinely monitored American air traffic, but escalated tensions had intensified their efforts." "PDF radar operators noticed an increase number of troop transport and equipment hauling aircraft, a sure sign of invasion." "But because the U.S. had military bases in the Canal Zone, the Americans routinely operated heavy traffic in the area." "To hide their movements, the U.S. maintained the same number of flights to the Canal Zone." "They changed size and type of aircraft, using heavier equipment." "For days, the deception worked." "But Panamanian surveillance began to identify the increased transport size and the PDF immediately placed every military unit on alert." "The SEALs had landed at Howard Air Force Base in the Canal Zone." "After loading their gear onto Combat Raiding Rubber Rafts, they silently made their way along the coast and entered the tidal waterways around Paitilla Airport." "Commander Dillon was still counting on the element of surprise." "He approached Paitilla Airport unaware that the Panamanian military was gearing up for the assault." "It was just after midnight, December 20, 1989." "The United States stood minutes from war with the nation of Panama." "The Pentagon was ready to unleash a massive 16,000 man U.S. task force to take over the Central American country and capture its dictator Manuel Noriega." "Commander Mike Dillon and his seals Team moved toward the Paitilla Airport under cover of night." "The SEALs would land at the nearby beach and set up field headquarters." "Then at H-hour, the moment of invasion, 01 :00 a.m., the three platoons, Golf, Bravo and Delta, would approach the hangar across the tarmac." "Their attack was to be synchronized with the rest of the invasion, and had been planned and rehearsed down to the second." "However, as the SEALs advanced on their position," "American troops were spotted in Panama City." "Fighting broke out immediately and the PDF knew the invasion was on." "Got that link with Spectre?" "No, sir, I'm still having problems with the radio." "Get it working." "Yes, sir." "Thunder 55, Thunder 55, this is Broad Sword 23." "Dillon was unable to make radio contact with the AC-130 gunship assigned to the mission." "He had to have his air cover in place before he began the assault." "Without radio contact, it was impossible for the Spectre to provide air support." "Broadsword 23, Broadsword 23, this is Air Papa, over." "The field commander on the ground not only had to give coordinates, he was solely responsible for ordering an attack." "Firestorm 60, this is Broadsword 23." "With Noriega now aware that the Americans were coming, the Pentagon moved up the official start of the invasion 15 minutes." "Hundreds of field commanders quickly adapted their unit's assault plans." "Admiral Walker at Fort Bragg JSOC contacted the SEALs with the news." "H-Hour had been pushed to 12:45 a.m." "I don't think I have fifteen minutes to shave off this mission." "But that was the least of Dillon's concerns." "At the last minute, the war planners also changed Dillon's mission." "He wasn't simply to disable Noriega's jet, he was to actually take the hangar and slash the jet's tires." "Roger that, 23 out." "All right, gentlemen..." "The State Department feared that the SEALs might unleash too much firepower if they simply shot at the plane from a distance." "The new directive meant putting the SEALs at incredible risk." "They would have to approach the hangar and confront the PDF forces." "Dillon quickly informed his men of the change in mission just before they landed at the airfield." "They encountered no initial resistance." "The PDF officer immediately called for reinforcements." "Dillon and his men proceeded not realizing the PDF was fortifying its position." "Standby for 2-3 actual." "Commander, we have intercepted a radio transmission indicating that Noriega is headed towards Paitilla." "Copy that." "We do not have an ETA at this time." "Roger, out." "Change of plans." "Noriega's helicopter is on its way over." "I'll take Delta to intercept the chopper." "Bravo and Golf, proceed as planned." "Dillon had to move out immediately if he was going to stop Noriega, but he didn't want to go in without air support." "Thunder 55, this is Broadsword 23..." "He continued his efforts to raise the Spectre." "Thunder 55, Thunder 55, this is Broadsword 23." "Over." "Are we talking with that Spectre yet?" "No sir, not yet." "We're working on it." "We need that air support, now." "Yes, sir." "Thunder 55, Thunder 55." "The SEAL radio operators tried changing the batteries and antennas." "Thunder 55, Thunder 55, this is Broadsword 23..." "But nothing worked." "Over." "The Spectre tried everything it could to communicate with the SEALs." "Broadsword 23, Broadsword 23, this is Air Papa, how copy this transmission, over." "But neither side could raise the other." "The command centers were swamped." "The thousands of radio links were overflowing with chatter, jamming their communication." "Golf leader, Bravo leader with me." "Dillon quickly reviewed the new assault plan with Hill and Trottman." "Back at JSOC, Walker continued to get confirmed reports that Noriega's helicopter was nearing Paitilla." "We've just intercepted more PDF radio chatter." "lntelligence also warned of armored personnel carriers, heading towards the airport." "Stand by for 23 actual." "Time was running out for Dillon and his men." "With Noriega and APCs full of reinforcements on their way, the assault had to move forward," "Copy that." "even without air support." "Roger, out." "Keep your eyes open." "We may have some APCs coming our way." "Let's move." "This is Broadsword 23, over." "Do we have communication with the Spectre yet?" "No, sir." "Not yet." "We're working on it." "Alright." "You guys get at least one of those radios working..." "Keep me posted, we're moving out." "Yes, sir." "The three platoons began their assault." "Expecting light resistance at the hangar, the less experienced SEALs remained in Golf and Bravo platoons." "They were to advance together until they reached the tarmac." "Once at the tarmac," "Bravo would separate to pull planes onto the runway as planned." "Then they would proceed to the hangar to back up Golf." "Trottman's Golf platoon was to head directly to the hangar and slash the tires on the jet." "No longer just providing backup," "Dillon and his Delta platoon now had the primary mission of intercepting Noriega's helicopter." "They would have to reconnoiter the airport and determine where it might touch down." "Also, when the dictator arrived, he would be heavily defended by highly trained guards." "Since Delta would be the first to confront these elite forces," "Dillon kept the most battle seasoned SEALs with him." "As the SEALs began advancing, the PDF reinforcements arrived at Paitilla." "They concealed themselves in the hangar." "Now the element of surprise was on their side." "All they had to do was wait for the Americans to come closer." "As Golf and Bravo platoons moved closer to the hangar and tarmac areas, the hangar looked quiet, almost deserted." "They saw no soldiers and no APCs." "Delta continued their reconnaissance waiting for Noriega's helicopter to arrive." "Get me JSOC." "Firestorm 60, this is Broadsword 23, over." "This is 23." "Yes, sir." "Has there been any sign of that helicopter?" "No, sir." "No sign of the chopper." "Noriega will be there." "The command post was still certain that the helicopter was coming." "Copy that." "Dillon had to be ready to apprehend Noriega." "Dillon scouted the perimeter for PDF reinforcements and positioned Delta for Noriega's arrival." "Golf and Bravo platoons continued their advance." "They could see Noriega's jet parked in the hangar." "With nightvision goggles," "Trottman made out figures moving in the darkness." "This was expected." "At the briefing, they had been told they would probably see people around the airport buildings." "Commander, I'm picking up some movement down by the tower." "Copy, keep your eyes open." "Golf proceeded on, and Bravo platoon split off as planned to complete their mission of pulling the small planes onto the runway." "The PDF soldiers had a near perfect position." "The approach to the hangar was a broad expanse of asphalt." "For hundreds of yards in every direction, there was no cover except for a few light aircraft." "As Trottman and his Golf platoon got closer, they spotted more armed soldiers." "There was still no sign of Noriega." "Commander, I've spotted some tangos inside the hangar." "Eyes up." "Proceed with caution." "Golf continued their advance." "Bravo arrived at the planes." "Each squad had a Spanish speaking SEAL to address any locals." "Knowing the planes could be guarded, the SEALs cautiously approached with their interpreter in the lead." "Such a threat could be quickly eliminated with a few well placed shots, but this contradicted the rules of engagement, the SEALs couldn't harm civilians... that included drug runners." "Once they were restrained," "Bravo proceeded to block the runway with small aircraft." "Commander, we had some locals guarding the planes." "Threat eliminated." "We're just now getting back to moving the planes." "Copy. I see you." "Commander, any word from Air Papa?" "Nothing yet." "Where the hell is my air support?" "Thunder 55, this is Broadsword 23, over." "Got that radio working yet?" "No, sir." "Not yet." "But they still could not make contact with the Spectre." "No word yet, Golf." "Still waiting." "The radios used encryption equipment to scramble communications." "They frantically tried different codes." "But they had to work through thousands of possibilities." "Dillon even tried patching through to the Spectre via JSOC." "Even headquarters could not get through to the gunship." "For some reason, the Spectre could not lock onto the signal and decode the incoming message." "Broadsword 23, Broadsword 23, this is Air Papa, over." "Switch to two." "Let's switch to two." "Punching in alternate frequency." "Broadsword 23, Broadsword 23..." "Through their sophisticated surveillance equipment, the crew of the AC-130 could see the air field below." "Yet they remained powerless to help." "Broadsword 23, this is Air Papa, waiting for your command." "The Spectre's awesome firepower was immobilized..." "Golf moved forward with no backup." "Golf, what's happening?" "We're pinned down taking fire from two directions!" "They're under attack, let's go, let's move, let's move." "Move, move." "Get in there, get down there." "Let's go, let's go." "Caught in the Panamanian ambush," "Trottman and Golf platoon took their first casualties." "I'm hit!" "Pinned down on the open tarmac, they were in a fight for their lives." "With Golf platoon under attack..." "Dillon and Delta platoon rushed to reinforce them from the other side of the airport." "I've got heavy wounded." "Bravo, get up here!" "Bravo's clash with the drug runners cost precious time that delayed them from reinforcing their teammates." "When Bravo finally arrived they threw themselves directly into the line of fire... shielding the wounded SEALs with their own bodies." "Where's that Spectre?" "You got that gunship?" "The pilots of the AC 130 circled high overhead watching helplessly as the battle unfolded." "All weapons are hot at this time, but I still don't have authorization to fire." "Punching two." "Broadsword 23..." "The PDF soldiers used armor-piercing bullets which flew right through the SEALs flack jackets." "Those that weren't shot directly got hit by flying pieces of asphalt." "Trottman couldn't retreat, and he couldn't advance." "Eventually, the superior marksmanship of the SEALs paid off." "With every shot fired by the PDF soldiers, the SEALs got a better lock on their positions." "Get in there, get down there." "Let's go, let's go." "Finally, Dillon's Delta platoon arrived." "They took positions on the edge of the tarmac and joined the fight." "Gunners, get'em some help, get in there." "Go, let's go..." "The SEALs of Delta platoon charged directly into the firestorm risking their own lives to drag their wounded teammates to safety." "The assault had lasted only three minutes." "By this time, eight men in Golf and Bravo platoons were dead or wounded." "JSOC called for an assessment report... I've got at least two killed and six wounded." "They could hear the battle raging over their radio." "Admiral Walker ordered them to abort the mission." "Negative." "Can't pull out." "Everyone is down." "We were ordered to take this airfield, sir, and that's exactly what we intend to do." "Over." "Alright, take out that jet!" "Go!" "Dillon wanted to complete what they'd set out to accomplish." "And he wasn't concerned about collateral damage." "The AT-4 antitank missile brought to defend against the APCs was aimed at Noriega's jet." "Broadsword 23, Broadsword 23, how copy this transmission?" "This is Broadsword 23, over." "Commander!" "Commander!" "We've got the radio." "We got Spectre." "Beautiful." "Just beautiful." "Watch out!" "The missile punched a hole in Noriega's jet, completely disabling it." "The concussion from the blast put an end to any remaining resistance in the hangar." "I'm not seeing any more movement." "Can you confirm?" "Looks clear from here." "Cover me." "Call in Medevac." "Delta, let's fall in and mop up the pieces." "Finally it was safe for the SEALs to enter the hangar." "Most of the PDF soldiers inside the hangar were dead or seriously wounded." "A few shell-shocked survivors surrendered without a struggle." "The battle was finally over." "It had lasted only fifteen minutes." "Dillon ordered some of the SEALs to stay in the hangar and attend to the enemy dead and wounded, while he went back out to the tarmac to check on his own men." "How's he doing?" "He's gone." "Only hours after receiving his Trident the newest member of the team, Isaac Rodriquez was dead." "Ahhh, corpsman!" "They could only wait for the evacuation as their seriously wounded teammates lay bleeding to death on the tarmac." "Where the hell is that MedEvac chopper?" "The invasion forces had taken heavier casualties than expected." "The medevac helicopters had been diverted to other American wounded in Panama City." "We got fire!" "We got fire!" "Get out here!" "A few remaining PDF soldiers made a last ditch effort to inflict damage on the Americans." "They were quickly dispatched." "Let's get that MedEvac here now." "It was over 90 minutes later that the MedEvac finally arrived." "At the Paitilla Airport," "Dillon and his men had accomplished their mission." "They took the airfield and disabled Noriega's jet against impossible odds and under heavy fire." "But in the end, four seals lay dead and nine more were seriously wounded." "It was the worst single loss the SEALs had ever experienced in one mission." "Overall, the invasion of Panama went on the books as a success." "Noriega's helicopter never did arrive at Paitilla Airport." "However, American forces finally captured Noriega, and he was brought to trial in the United States." "The Navy came under fire for the ill-fated SEAL mission." "Recriminations abounded and careers were lost." "The Navy released a sanitized report about what happened at Paitilla Airfield." "All the public ever heard was that it took forty eight SEALs to disable a single airplane." "Thank for your watching."