The main force of SEALs landed just south of the airport at approximately 0030, shortly before the initial combat operations started within Panama City itself.

McGrath, a SEAL officer stationed on a patrol boat offshore coordinating several operations, passed on information implying that the aircraft was to be disabled with "minimal damage" (defined as shot out tires and cut control wires), rather than destroyed.

[4] This became a point of controversy after the operation, as the message was poorly worded and forced the SEALs to change their tactics at the last minute and approach the aircraft more closely than anticipated.

As they stood up to move, the Panama Defense Forces (PDF) soldiers stationed in the airfield immediately opened fire, killing two SEALs and wounding five others.

Shortly after, a MEDEVAC helicopter arrived and transported the injured SEALs to the Joint Casualty Collection Point at Howard Air Force Base.