Celina R. Babauta
SENATOR Celina R. Babauta is urging the CNMI community to “build, not block” the economic opportunities tied to the possible designation of the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport as a U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command or AMC Gateway.
In a statement, Babauta responded to a resolution adopted by the Uraali Refaluwasch Association or URA, which opposes the designation “without full consultation, legal transparency, and protection of indigenous and environmental rights.”
Babauta said she shares URA’s concerns about cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and public transparency — priorities she said are especially important to indigenous people of the Marianas. However, she added that URA’s resolution contains “multiple factual inaccuracies” and reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what an AMC Gateway designation entails.
She stressed that an AMC Gateway is a logistical designation — not a federal takeover — and does not alter ownership, sovereignty, or public access.
“The resolution inaccurately claims that the designation ‘may result in restricted access [and] militarized land use,’” Babauta said. “In reality, these gateways are used to transport eligible military personnel and cargo through civilian airports, with no loss of local control, no land acquisition, and no disruption to commercial service.”
She clarified that an AMC designation does not militarize airport operations or restrict civilian use. “It merely identifies the airport as a transit point. No base is established, and no land is federalized,” she said, adding that the airport would remain under the full control of the Commonwealth Ports Authority and its board.
Unfounded environmental concerns
Babauta said URA’s resolution mischaracterizes the designation by presenting it as an environmental and cultural threat. “Federal infrastructure actions — even minor ones — require compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, including public notices, community input, and environmental assessments,” she said. “The AMC gateway designation does not authorize new construction or expansion.”
She noted that while AMC military training already occurs at Saipan airport — such as touch-and-go landings — it does so without any formal designation or compensation to the CNMI. “Without formal designation, the CNMI misses out on cost-sharing, infrastructure upgrades, and federal economic support.”
Just last week, Babauta said, Yokota Air Base conducted joint training with CPA’s Airport Rescue and Firefighting Unit. She also cited the CNMI’s inclusion in upcoming large-scale military exercises as evidence of the islands’ growing logistical role in regional defense.
“Despite all this activity, the CNMI currently receives no structured economic return,” she said. “A formal AMC Gateway designation would allow the CNMI to fully participate in planning and benefit from related investments.”
CPA’s fiscal struggles
Babauta said CPA has been under austerity measures for four years, struggling to maintain services and retain staff. “Can we afford to just wait for another federal windfall like the American Rescue Plan?” she asked. “That’s not sustainable. A formal designation could lead to recurring federal investment, improve CPA’s financial health, and reduce dependence on emergency aid.”
Addressing constitutional concerns
Babauta also disputed the resolution’s claim that an AMC designation would violate local constitutional protections.
“The designation does not involve land acquisition, lease, or transfer of ownership — and therefore does not conflict with Article XII’s land protections or Article XIV’s environmental safeguards,” she said. “All federal actions must comply with NEPA and allow for public comment.”
Babauta said the current situation — with ongoing military use of CNMI infrastructure but no formal benefits — must change.
“The proposed designation does not militarize the airport, does not override local law, and does not ignore our heritage,” she said. “What it offers is a path to investment, job creation, transparency, and partnership — without sacrificing local control.”
She concluded: “I urge community leaders to engage with facts, and advocate for an agreement that uplifts both our economy and our people — rather than reject opportunities based on misinformation or misunderstandings.”
