During World War II, the Pacific island airfield hosted the largest B-29 bomber fleet. Now, the United States is planning to reclaim this strategic location in response to communist China’s threat in the region, according to Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).
Mr. Wilsbach announced plans to increase construction efforts at the Tinian North Airfield, an island near Guam that played a crucial role in World War II. He stated that a significant amount of progress would be made in the coming months. The overgrown jungle on the island is being cleared out, and it will soon be transformed into an extensive facility once construction is complete.
Tinian Island is one of the three islands in the Northern Marianas and is located around 1,500 miles south of Tokyo. It served as the operational base from which bombers flew missions to Japan during the Second World War.
Under the “PACAF Strategy 2030: Evolving Airpower,” the U.S. Pacific Air Forces are focused on enhancing war-fighting advantage, advancing theater posture, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and shaping the information environment. The strategy aims to maintain peace and win conflicts if necessary.
The U.S. government is also focused on enhancing engagement with the Pacific island nations to counter the influence of China, which signed a security pact with the Solomon Islands last year. The aim is to counter the CCP’s influence in various Pacific islands where it has attempted to gain a strategic foothold.