Central America/Caribbean D+21 (30 July, 1987) Part I

The use of nuclear weapons on D+18 almost set Central America and the Caribbean on the backburner for the US permanently. But the fear and uncertainty that came in the hours following the nuclear exchange ended up working to Washington’s benefit. The remaining appetites for further conflict in the region were extinguished, with one significant …

Central America/Caribbean D+17 (26 July, 1987)

Just after 0200 hours, Central Standard Time, US Air Force F-111s appeared in the skies over Managua. The fighter-bombers struck eight targets; The Foreign ministry and Ministry of the Interior buildings, as well as a restrike against the Defense Ministry headquarters. Sandinista party headquarters, and the residences of four high-ranking party officials were also on …

D+16 Primer Part II

Southern Flank- With NATO’s control of the Mediterranean near certain, Sixth Fleet is looking to extend that dominance into the Black Sea, as the next phase of the war at sea. Meanwhile on land, Pact forces continue to advance in Thrace despite absorbing high casualties in exchange for minimal gains of territory. Romania has been …

Central America/Caribbean D+15 (24 July, 1987)

0030- Violence breaks out again in Panama City as pro-Noriega crowds converge on the US embassy and US military installations across the Canal Zone. The Panamanian police and paramilitary units that had spent much of the previous afternoon fighting anti-Noriega protesters in the streets are now nowhere to be found. Automatic gunfire is heard around …

Central America/Caribbean D+14 (23 July, 1987

For the second morning in a row, American airpower was in action over Nicaragua. Bombs and rained down on military targets across the country. Battlegroup Romeo joined in as well, launching a limited number of TLAMs against government buildings in Managua. The airstrikes marked the first use of F-111s in Southern Command’s AOR. Eight of …

Central America/Caribbean D+11 thru D+13 (20-22 July, 1987)

D+11 (20 July, 1987) Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega condemns Cuban leader Fidel Castro during a 90 minute speech. He accuses Castro of ‘cowardice’ and ‘betraying the revolution.’ Ortega vows that Nicaragua will continue the fight against American imperialism, and promises to assist Manuel Noriega in evicting the Americans from Panama. A short time later additional …

A Look Ahead to Late August & Early September

We’re into late August already. Hard to believe the summer is coming to an end. Like just about everyone else I’m anxious to get this year finished once and for all. Pandemic, hurricanes, wild fires, floods of Biblical proportions in China….the list goes on and on. Who knows what’s waiting for us in September. But …

Central America/Caribbean D+7-10 (16-19 July, 1987)

D+7 (16 July, 1987)   -US Navy personnel and civilian contract workers from the United States assume full duties at the Panama Canal. All Panamanian nationals, and other foreigners working there are furloughed for the ‘duration of the present emergency.’   -As more US troops arrive in Honduras, the number of clashes between Nicaraguan and …