The US Military’s Strategic Restoration of WWII-Era Airfields in the Pacific

In a strategic move echoing the lessons of World War II, the United States military is actively restoring and repurposing former airfields across the Pacific. This initiative, driven by growing concerns over China’s expanding military capabilities, marks a significant shift in US defense strategy, emphasizing dispersion and agility over concentrated force projection. By revitalizing these historical sites, the US aims to bolster its presence in the region, enhance its ability to respond to potential conflicts, and ensure a more resilient defense posture. This article will delve into the details of this restoration effort, its strategic rationale, and the geopolitical implications for the region.

The Hub-and-Spoke Strategy: Adapting to Modern Threats

The cornerstone of this initiative is the implementation of a “hub-and-spoke” strategy. This approach involves distributing military assets across a network of smaller, readily equipped sites, rather than concentrating them in a few major bases. As explained by the Caspian Report, should a major American base come under threat, aircraft and personnel can disperse to these smaller sites, maintaining operational capabilities and complicating enemy targeting. The larger bases, meanwhile, serve as forward deployment hubs, providing essential support to the dispersed network.

This strategy is a direct response to China’s advancements in weaponry, particularly its development of missiles capable of striking distant targets, including American bases in the second island chain. The DF-26, an intermediate-range ballistic missile known as the “Guam killer,” and the DF-17, a hypersonic missile, pose significant threats to key US installations like Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. According to the US Department of Defense, China has significantly increased its arsenal of DF-26 missiles in recent years, underscoring the urgency of the US response.

Key Restoration Projects and Their Strategic Significance

Several key projects exemplify the US military’s commitment to this restoration effort:

• Tinian’s North Airfield: The Air Force is reclaiming North Airfield on Tinian Island from the jungle overgrowth that has consumed it since World War II. This airfield, historically significant as the launch site for the atomic bomb missions, is being redeveloped with significant funding allocated for airfield development, fuel tanks, parking aprons, and support facilities. The restoration of Tinian places Marine and joint military aircraft within a strategically advantageous position, approximately 1,000 miles from Manila, Philippines, and 1,400 miles from the bulk of Marine forces in Okinawa, Japan.
• Peleliu Airfield: The Marine Corps has recertified an airfield on the island of Peleliu, the site of one of the bloodiest battles during WWII. The refurbishment of the Peleliu airstrip provides a crucial refit and refuel point for aircraft flowing into the region, situated just beyond the first island chain surrounding China. The island is part of Palau.
• Camp Davis Airfield, North Carolina: While not in the Pacific theater, the Marine Corps also recently reopened a WWII-era airfield at Camp Davis, North Carolina. This $28 million overhaul enhances training capabilities and simulates austere airfield conditions in conjunction with Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations.
• Basa Air Base, Philippines: The US and the Philippines have completed a $24 million runway upgrade at Basa Air Base, a site originally built by US forces during World War II. This renovation is part of a broader effort under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), granting US forces access to multiple sites in the Philippines.
• Yap International Airport, Micronesia: The US Air Force has requested significant funding to extend the runway at Yap International Airport, another former Japanese military airfield, to accommodate US military aircraft.

Navigating Political Complexities

While the strategic rationale for restoring these airfields is clear, the US faces considerable political challenges in implementing these projects. Many of the former air bases are located on non-US territory, requiring delicate negotiations and agreements with host nations. Moreover, local populations often express concerns about environmental impact, indigenous rights, and land use, further complicating the process.

In Palau, for example, the construction of a tacore radar system has faced environmental opposition and legal challenges. Similarly, in Micronesia, proposed upgrades to Yap International Airport have encountered resistance due to similar concerns.

China has also sought to exert its influence in the region, strengthening economic ties and offering educational and employment opportunities to Pacific Islanders. This has bolstered Beijing’s reputation as a viable partner, potentially undermining US efforts to secure basing rights and build infrastructure.

The Broader Geopolitical Context

The US military’s restoration of WWII-era airfields is occurring against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the US and China. As the PLA Navy expands its naval force and develops advanced weaponry, the US is seeking to maintain its strategic advantage in the Pacific. The restoration efforts are a component of a larger strategy to deter Chinese aggression, protect allies, and ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the Stars and Stripes, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Leaf noted investing in Tinian complicates planning for China or any other country that considers military challenges to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The restoration of the airfield means it will be available if needed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has been critical of China’s increasingly assertive moves in the region, including toward Taiwan. Palau is one of the few remaining countries to diplomatically recognize Taiwan over Beijing.

Conclusion

The US military’s initiative to restore World War II-era airfields in the Pacific represents a proactive and adaptive response to evolving geopolitical dynamics. By embracing a hub-and-spoke strategy and investing in dispersed infrastructure, the US aims to enhance its resilience, agility, and overall strategic posture in the face of growing challenges from China. While political and logistical hurdles remain, the successful implementation of these projects will be crucial in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding US interests in the Indo-Pacific.