US Military Revives Tinian Airfield Amid Rising Tensions

The Wall Street Journal
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On Tinian, a remote Pacific island once a key WWII base, U.S. military crews are working to clear overgrown runways to prepare for potential conflicts, particularly with China eyeing Taiwan. The airfield, long neglected, is pivotal to the U.S.'s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, which involves a network of smaller airbases rather than relying solely on larger ones like Guam's Andersen Air Force Base. Military teams, led by Sergeant Branson and Major Rothschild, have been clearing the dense jungle, revealing substantial portions of runway, proving the urgency of the task at hand. As China modernizes its arsenal with sophisticated missiles, including hypersonic types, the U.S. must enhance its readiness. The airfield serves as a base for operations in Asia, where tactical adaptability is crucial in face of escalating threats. The restoration of Tinian symbolizes a significant shift in military strategy, reaffirming the commitment to regional defense and countering China's ambitions. This revitalization project is not just about locating runways but about preparing the U.S. military for an era of heightened confrontation potential in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlights
  • • Tinian's airfield is being reclaimed for military readiness.
  • • Clearing efforts are driven by rising tensions with China.
  • • Military teams face arduous conditions to uncover runways.
  • • U.S. strategy focuses on Agile Combat Employment (ACE).
  • • Runways will support operations against potential threats.
  • • China is rapidly expanding its missile capabilities.
  • • Hypersonic missiles pose new challenges to U.S. defense.
  • • The project includes utilizing multiple smaller airbases.
  • • Tinian was previously vital during World War II.
  • • The U.S. aims to enhance flexibility and agility in operations.
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