AMID the ongoing controversy regarding the use of Farallon de Medinilla for the military’s bombing exercises, the U.S. Marines based in Okinawa, Japan want to have firing ranges “on or near Saipan” for their large-caliber firing weapons.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta is looking into the request of the military.
Capt. Alan LeCompte, intelligence officer of the 12th Marines, wrote a letter to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce on March 25 informing the group about the military’s search for artillery ranges.
“With the lack of artillery training ranges in Okinawa, we at the 12th Marines are looking for other opportunities to train, as well as to be goodwill ambassadors for our Corps,” LeCompte told the Chamber.
“Do you know of any such ranges in or near Saipan, or anywhere else in the Marianas that would be available for the firing of M-198, 155mm towed artillery?” asked LeCompte.
Mike Schadeck, chairman of the Chamber’s armed forces committee, said the matter was forwarded to the Office of the Governor.
FDM bombings to continue
Despite federal court ruling that halted military exercises on Farallon de Medinilla, the Navy will still use the island for its live fire training exercises.
The Navy has notified the Emergency Management Office about the bombing exercises scheduled for April 1 to 5, and from April 8 to 12.
Mark Pangelinan, EMO deputy director, yesterday said the public should not go near the island.
“Due to the danger imposed by this activity, the general public, especially fishermen, tour operators and commercial pilots are advised to stay away from this location,” he said in an advisory.
The federal court’s March 13 ruling stated that the military exercises violated the 1918 treaty protecting migratory birds.
The Chamber said the court ruling would “devastate” the CNMI economy.
In 1999 and 2000, the U.S. Navy infused some $8.9 million into the Saipan economy alone in direct vendor payments for services and personal spending by crew members, according to the Chamber.
