FAA to issue ‘plan’ for divert activities on Tinian

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is presently working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on the proposed U.S. Air Force divert activities in the CNMI and the federal agency is expected to issue an implementation plan to ensure safety in all operations.

On Dec. 16, CPA and its board made this clear to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick C. Malackowski in a letter, emphasizing the position of the agency on the issue of divert activities on the islands. It will be recalled that the Air Force wants its training activities on Saipan, a plan opposed by the ports authority and other sectors.

According to CPA chair Jose Lifoifoi and the agency’s executive director, MaryAnn Lizama, CPA has been asked to give its input or position on the location of the Air Force divert activities. In their joint letter on Monday, they reiterated their choice of Tinian as best site for the planned military activities.

“With this, CPA will take steps toward the submission of the Tinian Airport Layout Plan to the FAA. However, prior to submitting the Tinian ALP, CPA would like to meet with the USAF to discuss, formalize and coordinate the terms and conditions for the use of the Tinian Airport/Airfield by the USAF,” stated the two officials.

Malackowski was assured that CPA will provide as much assistance and coordination to support the activities of the U.S. Air Force.

“CPA is presently working with the FAA on an ‘implementation plan’ that will coordinate and guide military operations and training on CPA’s civilian facilities. The priority is to ensure the safety in all operations by all parties as well as provide for a coordinated working partnership between the commercial/civilian airlines and the USAF and other Department of Defense units,” Lizama said.

CPA is firm in its position not to allow Air Force divert activities and exercises to occur at the Francisco C. Ada International Airport, and there’s no plan to reconsider or change this stand. In early board meetings, members disclosed that the Air Force continue to think that divert activities may happen on Saipan.

It was in June this year when CPA formally rejected the proposed divert airfield project to happen on Saipan and instead approved the activities to be held at the Tinian airport. CPA voted on this decision after it received the Air Force divert airport layout plan. The decision was also sent to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which concurred with the action. CPA wants the Saipan airport to be spared from any military operations because it is a commercial airport.

A few months ago, the U.S. Air Force submitted the layout plan in the hopes that it will be approved by CPA and FAA. The military had emphasized that the use of airports is important to the defense and security of the islands.

Some two-thirds of Tinian lands are under lease to the U.S. Department of Defense and they have been used for military training in preparation for the military buildup in Guam, which involves the transfer of military personnel from Okinawa, Japan.