 On 19 December 1989, just 13 months after the Pentagon had disclosed the existence of the F-117A, it was used in combat for the first time.This was in Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama intended to dislodge and arrest General Manuel Noreiga.In early 1988, Panama's military dictator, Gen. Manuel Noriega, had been indicted by two Florida grand juries on charges of laundering drug money.