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ABOUT Ft. Clayton, CZ
- Strategic Location: Fort Clayton was a major U.S. Army base located near Panama City, Panama, on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, serving as a key strategic site for the defense of the canal.
- Long U.S. Presence: The base was established in 1919 and remained under U.S. control until its transfer to Panama in 1999, as part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.
- Headquarters Role: Fort Clayton served as the headquarters for the United States Army South (USARSO), the command responsible for U.S. Army operations throughout Central and South America.
- Operation Just Cause: During the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause), Fort Clayton was a key staging area and command post for U.S. forces involved in the removal of General Manuel Noriega.
- Military Community: At its peak, Fort Clayton housed thousands of U.S. military personnel, their families, DOD civilians, and Panamanian employees, boasting schools, a hospital, and recreational facilities.
- Jungle Warfare Training: The base and its surroundings were used for jungle warfare training, taking advantage of the local rainforest environment to prepare troops for operations in similar terrains.
- Diplomatic Significance: The base symbolized U.S. influence in Latin America and was often a focal point for both diplomatic engagement and tensions between the U.S. and Panama.
- Transition to Civilian Use: After its turnover, Fort Clayton was transformed into the "Ciudad del Saber" (City of Knowledge), a hub for innovation, research, and education, hosting international organizations and universities.
- Canal Defense Network: Fort Clayton was part of a larger network of U.S. installations protecting the canal, alongside bases like Fort Amador, Fort Kobbe, and Albrook Air Force Base.
- Cultural Legacy: The base is fondly remembered by many American families who lived there, with numerous online communities and social media groups dedicated to sharing memories, photographs, and stories from Fort Clayton.