In 1988 relations with Panama and the U.S. Deteriorated. The commander of Southern Command, Gen. Frederick F. Woerner increased the number and strength of U.S. forces in Panama. This was in hopes of deterring the dictator, Noriega, from attacking U.S. citizens or the Panama Canal. Noriega overturned the results of the election of May 1989. President Bush was very upset, as a result Bush replaced Gen. Woerner with Gen. Thurman. Forces continued to buildup and Gen. Thurman pushed for even more troops. He received an additional taskforce of 22,000 soldiers, 3,400 airmen, 900 Marines, and 700 sailors. A fighting force this size could easily and quickly achieve operational objectives. Relations with Panama grew even worse. Noriega named himself Maximum Leader. And on December 15 1989 a state of war was declared with the United States. Not many people know this but Noriega actually declared war on the United States. A Panamanian soldier shot three American officers. On December 17, after reviewing the Facts, President Bush decided to act. Operation Just Cause began first thing December 20. Special forces attacked key installations in Panama that day. U.S. troops moved in to Panama City, to secure the U.S. Embassy and other strong holds. A battle between the Panimanian Defense Force and U.S. troops erupted in the city. The U.S. captured the Panimanian Defense Force (PDF) headquarters within three hours. As Noriega went into hiding and the PDF headquarters was overtaken the PDF collapsed. The remaining PDF were only in small pockets witch were taken out with little if any problems. Objectives to be secured were not only military bases and strongholds, but one objective was to liberate the Marriot Hotel. This was to ensure that no Americans would be taken hostage. Noriega was found hiding in a diplomatic compound called the Papal Nunciatura. U.S. troops played loud rock music to try to get him out. Unfortunately the on...