Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega steps up his threats of violence against Americans and their assets in Panama, as his corrupt regime becomes more entrenched in the illegal drug trade. After Panamanian soldiers kill an American officer and brutalize two witnesses, President Bush takes action. Unlike Grenada, time exists for the SEALs to gather intelligence and make plans. The SEALs mission was to take down Paitilla Airport where Noriega kept his private jet. They were to disable the plane and wait for Noriega. The plan called for 48 SEALs, more than triple the number of SEALs normally sent on a mission. The SEALs’ mission was supported by the Air Force AC-130 Spectre gunship, patrolling high overhead. As the invasion begins on December 20, 1989, the SEAL teams approach from the sea. Minutes before the attack there is still no contact with the Spectre gunship and the commander receives new orders. They are to capture Noriega at Paitilla as he attempts to flee the country. Now, instead of firing on the hangar, the SEALs are to disable his jet by slashing the tires. Someone in Special Ops Command has just thrown out all the weeks of planning and rehearsal and forced the SEAL teams into a deadly ambush. They must now sneak into the hangar undetected. The airport’s expansive tarmac, however, offers little cover. Panamanian soldiers discover the dozens of SEALs approaching the hangar. Exposed on the tarmac, the SEALs prove an easy target for the Panamanians. A deadly crossfire ensues. They never made contact with the Spectre and were without the much needed air support. Four SEALs lie dead; nine more are seriously wounded. Noriega never arrives at the airfield. While putting down the resistance the SEALs destroy his plane.