In April, 1941, what was then known as the Coast Artillery Command authorized for a low-power, tactical radio frequency to transmit news, sports and music to U.S. military personnel in remote locations in Panama.

Now, 58 years later, that one humble radio transmission has become what everyone in Panama knows as the Southern Command Network, providing "information you can count on" with both radio and television broadcasts to all U.S. Armed Forces personnel and family members stationed in Panama.

But with the imminent closure and transfer of all U.S. military sites as agreed upon in the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, SCN, located in Building 209 on Fort Clayton is pulling the plug on their historic run. SCN is formally deactivating in a closing ceremony Thursday at Building 209 saying goodbye to the viewers and the nation of which they have been a part for so long.

And like anywhere one goes these days, the signs of closure are undeniable at SCN. SCN radio, as an example, used to originate from a state-of-the-art studio inside Building 209. Now, broadcasts originate from a mobile van outside of SCN because much of the studio equipment has already been shipped out.

"We've been slowly tearing things down here," said Staff Sgt. Patrick Wareing, NCOIC, SCN studio operations. Surrounded by boxes and unplugged computer systems, Wareing said that what isn't being used has been packed, shipped out or destroyed - such as thousands of vinyl records and video beta tapes with television and movie programs that were aired throughout the years (SCN had the largest video library in AFRTS.)

Wareing, who has been with SCN since January 1994 said it's going to be a tough day when he finally has to say goodbye to what has been a large part of his life.

"It's going to be a very sad moment," Wareing said. "SCN is really a part of me, with everything I have learned during my time here and everything that has happened. It's pulling me apart to see everything being taken down." Other long-time members of the SCN team, including Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Anderson, NCOIC of television operations, share some of Wareing's feelings of having a hard time letting a good thing go. Anderson himself was assigned to SCN throughout Operation Just Cause and returned to serve at SCN several years later.

"It's sad. Just for the plain and simple fact that I've had a long history here. I've seen a lot of people come in these doors and walk out these doors, and had a chance to work with a lot of great people," Anderson said. "It's been a great opportunity. I'm always going to remember this place."

Although SCN Channel 8 will continue to provide programming through October, the SCN newscasts will cease Thursday when the unit deactivates. On that day the final newscast will be aired at 6 and 10 p.m on Channel 8, and at 6:30 p.m. a special 45 minute SCN historical piece called All Good Things will air. SCN radio broadcasts will continue until the last U.S. military personnel leave Panama.

SCN daily news broadcasts, seen here in the television studio, will cease as of Thursday as part of the draw down and closure process. (Courtesy)

Copyright © 1998 - 1999 Tropic Times

Last modified: November 14, 1998

Reprinted with Permission of Tropic Times Staff