Reviving World War II Airfields: US Military Strategy in the Pacific

The Strategic Importance of Tinian Island

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies Tinian, a remote island with a rich military history. Once home to North Field, the base responsible for launching the atomic bomb missions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Tinian was abandoned by the United States after World War II. For decades, the jungle reclaimed the airfield, erasing the traces of its pivotal role in history.

However, recent satellite imagery has revealed a surprising development: land clearing work is underway on Tinian. Military crews are actively removing the dense overgrowth, unearthing the long-forgotten infrastructure. This sudden interest in Tinian is not a mere coincidence but a calculated move by the United States to rehabilitate its former air base.

The Changing Landscape of Military Strategy

The Pentagon's renewed focus on Tinian comes in response to a shifting geopolitical landscape. China has developed a new class of weaponry capable of striking distant targets, including American bases in the second island chain. This advancement has forced the United States to adapt its military strategy to counter the growing Chinese threat and prepare for potential conflicts in the region.

The Hub and Spoke Strategy

At the heart of this new approach is the "Hub and Spoke" strategy. This innovative concept revolves around spreading out resources and assets across a larger area, rather than concentrating them in a single location. The strategy offers several advantages:

1. Increased resilience: If a major American base comes under threat, aircraft can quickly disperse to a network of smaller sites.
2. Sustained operations: Smaller, readily equipped bases allow the US to maintain its presence in the fight.
3. Logistical flexibility: Larger bases serve as forward deployment hubs, supporting the smaller bases in the network.
4. Complicating enemy targeting: The dispersed nature of assets makes it more challenging for adversaries to effectively target US forces.

Reviving World War II Era Airfields

As China's arsenal expands, American engineers are racing against time to revive World War II era airfields across the Pacific. During the war, the US maintained 93 airfields in the region. Today, that number has dwindled to just 33. The task of reactivating these forgotten bases is monumental, involving not only clearing decades of overgrowth but also navigating complex political landscapes.

Many of these old airfields are located on non-US territory, in countries where Washington's relationships have evolved over time. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the rehabilitation efforts, requiring careful diplomacy and negotiation.

The Chinese Naval Buildup

The urgency behind the US military's Pacific strategy is underscored by China's rapid naval expansion. Recent satellite imagery has revealed the construction of three to five new barges at a Chinese shipyard, designed for amphibious assault. These vessels are equipped with 12-meter long bridges, capable of offloading large numbers of tanks directly onto shore.

This unique logistical approach allows Chinese forces to access previously inaccessible areas, potentially changing the dynamics of any future conflict in the region. The reach of these vessels means that Chinese forces can now cross to shore at sites previously deemed impossible to access.

Taiwan's Strategic Position

The growing tensions between China and the United States have placed Taiwan at the center of geopolitical concerns. The People's Liberation Army Navy has assembled its largest naval force near Taiwan in decades, with projections indicating further growth in the coming years.

Understandably, Taiwan is on high alert, both militarily and politically. The island's leadership has recently conducted a tour of the Pacific, recognizing that any potential conflict with China would inevitably draw in the United States, with the wider Pacific serving as the battlefield.

The Importance of Balanced Information

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China's Naval Ambitions

The Rise of Yulin Naval Base

On the southern tip of China's Hainan Island lies Yulin Naval Base, a facility that embodies China's naval ambitions. Established in 1955, Yulin has transformed from a mere support outpost for China's South Sea Fleet into the keystone of the country's naval revival.

Yulin Naval Base, along with 200 additional military sites, represents a $50 billion commitment to Chinese supremacy in the Pacific. While the US Navy remains the dominant force in the region, China's growing naval power is rapidly altering the balance of power.

China's Naval Milestones

The People's Liberation Army Navy has set ambitious goals for its expansion:

• Dominate the first island chain by 2030
• Control the second island chain by 2050

To achieve these objectives, China is engaged in a rapid buildup of its naval assets, including:

• Frigates
• Submarines
• Aircraft carriers
• Missiles
• Rockets
• Aircraft

The scale and speed of this rearmament have raised significant concerns within the Pentagon, prompting a reevaluation of US military strategy in the Pacific.

The Strategic Importance of Guam

Guam, located less than 5,000 kilometers from the Taiwan Strait, plays a crucial role in America's ability to project power in the Pacific. As a forward operating base in the second island chain, Guam's Andersen Air Force Base serves as the primary air staging point for the United States in any potential regional conflict.

However, Guam's strategic importance also makes it a prime target for Chinese military planners. Recent propaganda videos released by the PLA Air Force have shown simulated attacks on what appears to be Andersen Air Force Base, highlighting the perceived threat.

Defending Guam

To protect this vital asset, the US military is planning to install a layered missile defense network on Guam, incorporating advanced systems such as:

• Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
• Aegis Ashore
• Patriot missile batteries

However, military planners recognize that even the most advanced defense systems can be overwhelmed by a determined adversary. This realization has led to a shift in defensive strategy, focusing on dispersal and agility rather than concentration of forces.

China's Missile Threat

The urgency behind America's strategic shift in the Pacific is driven by China's dramatic technological advances, particularly in missile technology. Two systems stand out as particularly concerning:

The DF-26 "Guam Killer"

The DF-26 is an intermediate-range ballistic missile with an operational range of approximately 4,000 kilometers. Its nickname, the "Guam Killer," reflects its ability to target US bases in the second island chain. The rapid production of these missiles is alarming:

• 2021: Estimated 300 DF-26 missiles
• 2022: Estimated 500 DF-26 missiles, with 250 launchers

The DF-17 Hypersonic Missile

The DF-17 represents a new class of threat. While it has a shorter range of 1,600 kilometers, its hypersonic glide vehicle payload makes it exceptionally difficult to intercept. Key features include:

• Ability to change direction mid-flight
• Potential for submarine deployment
• Unpredictable flight path compared to traditional ballistic missiles

These advanced missile systems place key US assets, such as Andersen Air Force Base, at significant risk. Recent war games have estimated that in the event of a conflict, up to 90% of US aircraft losses could occur on the ground, a devastating prospect that would effectively end a war before it truly begins.

Historical Context: World War II Pacific Strategy

The current focus on the Pacific islands echoes strategies employed during World War II. The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean naturally confines naval warfare to a limited number of maritime choke points. During the war, control of the Mariana Islands - including Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, and Saipan - proved crucial to military operations in the region.

Initially, Japanese control of these islands prevented American power projection into the Philippine Sea, effectively shielding the Japanese mainland. However, once American forces captured these islands, it brought the formidable B-29 Superfortress bomber within range of mainland Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This strategic advantage ultimately contributed to Japan's defeat.

Today, while the nature of the threat has changed, the strategic importance of the Mariana Islands remains unchanged. Control of these islands continues to be a key factor in projecting power across the Pacific.

America's Pacific Reconstruction Efforts

The restoration work on Tinian is just one part of a broader effort to reinforce America's military posture in the Pacific. Similar projects are underway across the region:

Guam

• Rebuilding of the Northwest Field
• Restoration of disused airstrips
• Expansion of landing sites
• Construction of new barracks

Palau

• Clearing of jungle around old airfields
• Expansion of existing road infrastructure

Philippines

• $35 million allocated for construction of additional aircraft ramps at Basa Air Base
• Exclusive rights for US Air Force use

Australia

• Increased US troop deployments
• Bases like Tindal serving as potential backup airfields beyond the expected zone of combat

These efforts all contribute to the Hub and Spoke strategy, creating a network of dispersed assets that can support US operations across a wide area.

Challenges in Expanding US Military Presence

While the US has identified approximately 60 former airfields in the Pacific that could potentially be reactivated, the process is far from straightforward. Many of these sites lie outside of direct US jurisdiction, complicating rehabilitation efforts.

The Compact of Free Association

After World War II, the United States secured defense rights in Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands through a series of agreements known as the Compact of Free Association. These agreements grant Washington exclusive defense rights in exchange for financial aid. However, implementing these rights has proven challenging:

Palau

• Environmental concerns over the construction of a Tacor radar system
• Legal attempts to cancel construction
• Senate resolution rejecting proposed US missile deployments

Federated States of Micronesia

• $400 million proposal to upgrade Yap International Airport for military use faces opposition
• Concerns over environmental impact, indigenous rights, and land use

Sovereignty and Historical Concerns

Many Pacific nations are wary of becoming caught in the middle of a potential US-China conflict. Their concerns stem from:

• History of colonialism in the region
• Legacy of nuclear testing
• Desire to maintain neutrality

Securing the necessary legal rights to build military infrastructure and establish permanent bases requires careful navigation of these sensitivities.

China's Growing Influence in the Pacific

Complicating matters further is China's increasing presence in the Pacific region. Beijing has been actively cultivating relationships with Pacific Island nations through:

• Close business ties between Chinese investors and local legislators
• Expanding opportunities for islanders to study or work in China
• Positioning itself as a viable alternative partner to the United States

While these efforts may seem small in scale, they represent a significant shift for a region that has primarily known American influence. This changing dynamic adds another layer of complexity to US efforts to expand its military presence in the Pacific.

The Balancing Act

As the United States works to reactivate World War II-era airfields and strengthen its military posture in the Pacific, it faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, there's an urgent need to counter China's growing military capabilities and protect US interests in the region. On the other hand, respecting the sovereignty and addressing the concerns of Pacific Island nations is crucial for maintaining long-term partnerships and stability.

Many Pacific countries would prefer to remain neutral or ensure that China is equally involved in regional affairs. This preference stems from the understanding that peace is often maintained by the tension of equal forces, much like a suspension bridge held in place by balanced tensions.

Conclusion

The revival of World War II-era airfields in the Pacific represents a significant shift in US military strategy, driven by the changing geopolitical landscape and China's growing military capabilities. The Hub and Spoke approach aims to create a more resilient and flexible military posture, capable of responding to a wide range of potential threats.

However, implementing this strategy is not without its challenges. Navigating the complex political and historical landscapes of the Pacific region requires careful diplomacy and a nuanced understanding of local concerns. As the US works to strengthen its military presence, it must also be mindful of the delicate balance of power in the region and the desire of many Pacific nations to maintain their neutrality.

Ultimately, the success of America's Pacific strategy will depend not only on its military capabilities but also on its ability to build and maintain strong, respectful partnerships with the nations of the region. As the strategic competition between the US and China continues to evolve, the Pacific will remain a key arena, shaping the future of global geopolitics for years to come.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PVwt01b6fs