Rota Mayor Melchor A. Mendiola, however, said the best area for such a facility is Tinian because its runway length is considerable.
The Military Integration Management Committee met with local officials on Thursday to discuss the development of divert capabilities in the Marianas.
Last month, the U.S. Air Force held open house public scoping meetings for identifying significant issues related to the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement.
In a statement, USAF Brig. Gen. Scott West said the goal “is to fulfill mission requirements that assure a divert airfield alternative location to Andersen Air Force Base exists that can support operational divert requirements, joint military training and exercises, and humanitarian relief operations within a reasonable distance to AAFB and the Philippine Sea.”
In his letter to Air Force Capt. Kimberly Bender, Manglona recommended Rota to the Air Force’s need to improve an existing airfield on U.S. territory near the Philippine Sea.
“As you know, the island of Rota is the southernmost island in the chain of NMI and its airport has the closest airfield to Anderson Air Base on Guam.
The airport’s limited flight schedule also satisfies the U.S. Air Force Base on Guam. The airport’s limited flight schedule also satisfied the U.S. Air Force’s need for any unscheduled landings,” the Senate president said.
He added that Rota has “large amounts of readily available land.” The Rota airport, he said, is surrounded by undeveloped land, away from any cultural artifacts, and perfect for housing and development.
“As a representative of the people of Rota, I can assure you that the community will welcome the military and humanitarian missions of the USAF,” Manglona said.
Rota, he added, also has a capable workforce and the increased military presence would be a great help to the island’s economy and its people who have greatly suffered since the recent economic downfall.
“I respectfully submit that Rota is unique in its ability to support strategic requirements of U.S. Forces around the globe, including humanitarian airlifts during natural disasters and the USAF’s readiness mandate for forward-deployed forces in the western Pacific,” he said.
In an interview, Mendiola said he is aware the Air Force wants a land area that allows for a 10,000 foot runway. Rota, the mayor added, has a 6,000 foot runway only.
He would appreciate it, however, if the U.S. Air Force would consider Rota.
“If there’s an opportunity why not?” he added.“If it’s feasible on Rota, I would appreciate that.”
But even if the U.S. Air Force chooses Tinian, he is confident that the economic benefit will spill over the entire CNMI, including Rota.
