It cannot be overstated how risky and complex this operation was in a major metropolis. The level of planning, intelligence integration, and rehearsals required to synchronize joint forces across space, naval, air, and elite U.S. Special Operations units was extraordinary. The force penetrated a dense urban environment, neutralized air defenses, communications, electricity, command and control nodes, and layered defenses, accomplished the mission with precision, and withdrew successfully. Few militaries on earth can do this.

While there are superficial comparisons to Panama, where I served several years after the capture of Noriega, Operation Just Cause unfolded in a fundamentally different context.

The most dominant military power on earth.