Rota, Tinian pushed as ‘divert airfields’

Senate President Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) and Senate Vice President Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) separately recommended the use of Rota or Tinian, respectively, as an alternative site for a U.S. Air Force airfield to help support not only the military but also the civilian community.

The senators’ letters were in response to the U.S. Air Force’s request for comments on its preparation of an environmental impact statement related to developing a “divert airfield alternative location to Andersen Air Force Base.”

The planned airfield would be used as an alternative landing site that will support joint military training and exercises and humanitarian relief operations.

Manglona, in a Nov. 7 letter to U.S. Air Force Capt. Kimberly Bender, said he is “strongly recommending” the CNMI, specifically “Rota” as an alternative site.

Hofschneider, in an interview, said he also sent a letter recommending Tinian as an alternative, citing the U.S. Department of Defense’s 99-year lease of two-thirds of land on Tinian.

“There’s runway that is readily available but will need a little rehabilitation, and it is only fitting.because it is strategically located as we do also have our harbor that may be significant to the military realignment in the Pacific,” he said.

Hofschneider, chair of the Tinian Legislative Delegation, said funding requirement may be significantly lower for Tinian compared to those of other islands because of the infrastructure that is partially ready.

Manglona, in his letter, said that Rota is the southernmost island in the CNMI chain of islands, and its airport has the closest airfield to Guam’s Andersen Air Force Base.

“The airport’s limited flight schedule also satisfies the United States Air Force’s need for any unscheduled landings. Moreover, Rota has large amounts of readily available land. Specifically, the Rota Airport is surrounded by undeveloped land, away from any cultural artifacts, and perfect for housing and development,” Manglona said.

He assured that the Rota community will welcome the military and humanitarian missions of the U.S. Air Force.

Manglona said Rota also has a capable workforce and the increased military presence, if any, would be a great help to the island’s economy and its people, “who have greatly suffered since the recent economic downfall.”

“Based on the foregoing, I respectfully submit that Rota is unique in its ability to support the strategic requirements of U.S. Forces around the globe, including humanitarian airlifts during natural disasters and the USAF’s readiness mandate for forward-deployed forces in the western Pacific. Additionally, Rota is surrounded by neighboring islands that are also unique, providing the Air Force with a variety of locations to choose from. Regardless of its final decision, I offer my full support for the USAF’s proposed action in the CNMI,” he added.

The U.S. Air Force held open house scoping meetings in October on Saipan, Tinian and Rota on the matter. The meetings were held to support an early and open process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed, and for identifying the significant issues related to the preparation of an EIS “aimed at assessing the potential environmental impacts from proposed development of divert capabilities within the Mariana Islands.”

Scoping meetings helped inform the public of the proposed action and National Environmental Policy Act process and give residents an opportunity to submit written and oral comments on the scope, environmental resources, and local issues to be addressed in the EIS.