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US Navy official lauds Saipan harbor improvement
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Posted on May 04 2000
As a result of the huge improvement carried out by the Commonwealth Ports Authority in Saipan Harbor, more U.S. Navy ships will be visiting the island to allow the servicemen spend a few days of R&R here, according to Rear Admiral Tom Fellin , commander of the Naval Forces in the Marianas.
However, Adm. Fellin said Saipan Harbor still has to make some more improvements to accommodate the arrival of state-of-the-art U.S. military submarine.
CPA needs to provide a power generator and a compressed holding tank or sewage system for the submarine’s use before the scheduled arrival on May 20 of a submarine patrolling the Pacific.
At the same time, Adm. Fellin has told CPA officials that the seaport should have an oil waste disposal facility in case a fuel leak occurs. There are also plans to put up underground telephone lines and cable television facilities that could be delivered to the ships.
The availability of water sports on the island, different hotels and various activities for the U.S. Navy personnel has made Saipan a very attractive place for regular R&R. visits, he added.
With each military personnel spending an average of $200 during their three to four-day visits, the CNMI is expected to reap some economic benefits.
The naval commander emphasized the strategic importance of the Northern Marianas in carrying out military training for the U.S. military, specifically the Farallon de Mendenilla live military exercises.
U.S. military officials visited Saipan several times and met with various officials before they made a decision to regularly visit the island. CPA and U.S. military officials also held a series of discussions where assurances had been given that the submarine will not harm the dock nor will the dock harm the vessel.
