The U.S. Air Force is proposing expanded military training operations at airports on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, prompting a local community group to call for more time to review the plans and their potential environmental and social impacts.
In a notice published in the Federal Register on Oct. 28, the Air Force announced that it will prepare an environmental impact statement for proposed aircraft training and exercises at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, Francisco Manglona Borja/Tinian International Airport-Tinian International Airport, Tinian North Field, and Benjamin Taisacan Manglona-Rota International Airport.
Under the proposal, each airfield could accommodate up to 1,200 fixed-wing aircraft operations and 320 helicopter operations annually, along with up to 1,000 military personnel and 550,000 gallons of fuel to support training activities. Aircraft operations refer to takeoffs and landings, rather than the number of individual aircraft involved.
In an Oct. 30 statement, Saipan-based Our Common Wealth 670 urged the Air Force to extend the initial 30-day public scoping period to at least 60 days to allow residents more time to review the proposal and submit comments.
"The timing of this scoping period raises serious concerns," the group said, citing the approaching holiday season and the need for meaningful community participation.
It said the environmental review should examine aircraft noise, contamination, civilian airport operations, cultural resources, public safety, and the cumulative impacts of military activities across the Marianas.
The group also urged the Air Force to consider the concerns of Chamorro and Refaluwasch communities, including the islands' history of military land acquisition, displacement, and environmental contamination.
"The No Action Alternative and options that reduce or avoid additional military activity should receive serious examination," it said.
Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, for her part, welcomed the CNMI's role in supporting U.S. military readiness while encouraging residents to participate in the environmental review process.
"I am grateful that the Northern Mariana Islands can contribute to our nation's security and the readiness of our Armed Forces," she said.
King-Hinds said the National Environmental Policy Act provides residents an opportunity to understand the proposed activities, raise concerns, and recommend measures before decisions are made.
"These are decisions that can have lasting implications for our communities. Your participation matters, and the federal government needs to hear directly from the people who live, work, and raise their families on these islands," she said.
Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Bart Jackson, meanwhile, assured that the proposed military operations would not affect commercial flights, airport capacity, or civilian access.
"No. Absolutely not. No impact," Jackson told Marianas Press when asked about possible disruptions to civilian airport operations.
"We are working cooperatively with them. They will be a paying tenant," he added.
Marianas Press also sought comments from the mayors of Tinian and Rota, as well as the appropriate committee chairs in the CNMI Legislature, but they had not responded as of press time.
The Air Force said the proposed exercises would strengthen military readiness and its ability to operate from multiple locations in the Indo-Pacific.
Training would include aircraft operations, logistics support, temporary military infrastructure, fuel storage, and munitions handling.
Another alternative being considered would allow up to 1,400 fixed-wing and 384 helicopter operations annually at each airfield. The Air Force will also study a no-action alternative.
The proposal does not include new construction or changes to existing airspace, according to the Federal Register notice.
Public scoping meetings are scheduled for Nov. 18 at Pacific Islands Club on Saipan, Nov. 19 at Tinian Western Lodge, and Nov. 21 at the Rota Mayor's Office.
The Saipan and Tinian meetings will be held from 5pm to 8pm, while the Rota meeting will run from noon to 3pm.
Residents may submit comments through www.CATEEIS.com or by email at PACAF.NEPA.CATEEIS@us.af.mil.
The Air Force expects to release the draft environmental impact statement in fall 2027 and the final version in summer 2028.
No final decision has been made on the proposed military operations.
Share this article:
