The Northern Mariana Islands’ Tinian is becoming increasingly more involved in the United States’ Pacific military strategy. One year ago, China tested ICBM warheads in the region for the first time since 1980. In response, the US government recognized the need to enhance its military presence in the Pacific territory. Tinian is in a well-positioned location, being located 1,700 miles from Taiwan.
This is not the first time the island has played a pivotal military role. In World War 2, Tinian served as the launch and return site for the US planes that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the time, it was also the world’s longest runway. The development of a new military base on the island marks a continuation of Tinian’s role for the US military.
Tinian will be the home of a new $800 million military project. Divert Airfield near Tinian’s airport is expected to finish construction by 2027, and a runway for the air force is expected to be completed this year. The construction includes shooting ranges, landing zones, harbors, and base camps. The construction of the federal project will have economic and environmental impacts.
This military construction has provided benefits to the Tinian community. While Air Force troops have focused on constructing roads in the Northern Fields, the Navy Seabees are working on repairing roads in residential neighborhoods. The quick construction has led to 65% of the Tinian Divert Field being completed.
However, tourism in Tinian and the surrounding islands has been negatively impacted. Hotel accommodations have been booked out for two to three years due to military construction, according to Mayor Edwin Aldan. Housing costs have skyrocketed, from $80,000 for a two-bedroom home in 2018 to 180,000 for a one-bedroom home.
The military project is expected to create construction job opportunities for CNMI residents. Stakeholders organized the Future Industries Day, an event between local businesses and federal construction agencies to generate education opportunities that allow for local businesses to work alongside government contractors.
Additionally, the increase in federal construction jobs could benefit many CNMI residents financially. The minimum wage on the island is $7.25/hour, but military contracts offered by the federal government pay $17.25/hour, allowing many residents to increase their yearly income
The environmental effects of the military base construction are mixed. Hundreds of acres of jungle and vegetation are being cut down, which disturbs the environment. However, biosecurity procedures have been strengthened on the island. Military materials entering the island must go through multiple layers of inspection in order to avoid the introduction and spread of invasive species.
The residents living on the island do not have representation in the military project, as Tinian has no political decision-makers. Instead, they rely on their neighboring island, Saipan, through the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs.
The military buildup in the Northern Mariana Islands may remain important in national politics for a long time. However, it is the residents of the island who are affected most immediately. The test for the US government will be balancing its military hopes with care for the local population, so the military project not only serves the nation but also assists its residents.
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