Military submarine set to dock on Saipan

A state-of-the-art United States military submarine, which has been patrolling the Pacific, is scheduled to dock at the Saipan International Seaport next month for a brief relaxation and recreational stop.

U.S. Military sea vessels have started making their R&R stopovers at the Saipan harbor since the completion of is multi-million improvement earlier last year.

Saipan seaport manager Tony Cabrera disclosed that submarine was tentatively set to arrive on Saipan on May 20, 2000 but promptly added that this clings to the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s ability to install basic infrastructure needs of the naval vessel.

“We have tentatively scheduled the submarine’s arrival to Saipan on the 20th of next month but there are still other things that we need to provide at the seaport before it can come in,” Mr. Cabrera said.

He pointed out that CPA and the U.S. Navy may be forced to moved at a later date the vessel’s arrival on Saipan if the ports authority fails to provide the necessary equipment and infrastructure.

CPA needs to provide a power generator and a compressed holding tank or sewage system for the submarine’s use before its scheduled arrival on May 20, otherwise, there is no way the vessel can stop over on the island.

Mr. Cabrera said the military submarine patrols the Pacific Ocean and docks on land once in a while, adding that naval officials have identified Saipan as one of the ideal places in the region for stopovers.

The number of people on board the submarine was not immediately available. Mr. Cabrera explained that this is classified information.

It was not also clear how long will the submarine stay docked at the Saipan seaport but the CPA official said crew members of military vessels usually stay on land up until three to four days for recreation.

Mr. Cabrera also expressed doubts the vessel will be opened to the public as it was the normal case with all the other naval ships that stopped over Saipan, pointing out the critical role it plays in the U.S. military.

He added that U.S. military and CPA security personnel will be stationed at the dock site to look after the submarine once it stops over the seaport.

The vessel’s arrival on Saipan came following a series of discussions between CPA and U.S. Military officials where assurance had been given that the submarine will not harm the dock nor will the dock harm the vessel.

The submarine will be entering the Saipan channel, as well as dock at the seaport, afloat.

Cruise related tourism in the CNMI is beginning to see bright signs as CPA officials laid down future development plans for the Saipan international harbor.

Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, of the U.S. Navy, previously discussed with Mr. Cabrera and CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas areas of the seaport facilities that may need future improvements.

Mr. Fellin stressed that the Saipan international seaport currently does not have an oil waste disposal facility, which could limit the facility’s potentials. Ports authority officials were told that the facility is needed to prevent problems that may arise from fuel leak.

At the same time, discussions are now underway to put up underground telephone lines and cable television facilities that could be delivered to the ships.