{"id":2335304,"date":"2024-09-01T16:42:01","date_gmt":"2024-09-01T20:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/after-80-years-of-dormancy-us-reopening-pacific-airfields-last-operational-in-wwii\/"},"modified":"2024-09-01T16:50:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-01T20:50:28","slug":"after-80-years-of-dormancy-us-reopening-pacific-airfields-last-operational-in-wwii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/after-80-years-of-dormancy-us-reopening-pacific-airfields-last-operational-in-wwii\/","title":{"rendered":"After 80 Years of Dormancy, US Reopening Pacific Airfields Last Operational in WWII"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fafter-80-years-of-dormancy-us-reopening-pacific-airfields-last-operational-in-wwii%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2335304&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/new-york-times-issues-multiple-corrections-for-article-falsely-claiming-900000-u-s-children-have-been-hospitalized-for-covid-19-during-pandemic\/\" title=\"New York Times Issues Multiple Corrections For Article Falsely Claiming 900,000 U.S. Children Have Been Hospitalized For COVID-19 During Pandemic\">article discusses<\/a> the restoration of historical airfields in \u200dthe Pacific that were integral \u200dto \u200dthe United States\u2019 military\u2063 operations during World War II, particularly in light of rising tensions \u200dwith China. The airstrips \u200con \u200cPeleliu and Tinian, which \u200dhave been dormant for decades, are now being refurbished for modern military use. The U.S. military recently announced that a C-130 aircraft\u2063 successfully\u2064 landed on the resurfaced airstrip\u200b on Peleliu,\u200c marking a significant \u200cmilestone in\u2064 its return to operation. These developments\u200d reflect a strategic \u200bpivot by \u200bthe U.S. towards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/australia-continues-us-defence-spend-with-1-3-billion-tomahawk-missile-buy\/\" title=\"Australia to spend .3 billion on Tomahawk missiles for US defence.\">increasing military capabilities<\/a> in the Indo-Pacific region. \u2064The restoration of these airfields is seen \u2064as a crucial \u2062step\u200c in enhancing the military\u2019s ability to respond to potential\u2063 conflicts, providing greater flexibility against geopolitical\u200c challenges posed\u2062 by China. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/illegal-immigrant-detained-as-person-of-interest-in-rape-of-13-year-old-girl-at-park\/\" title=\"Undocumented Immigrant Held as Suspect in Assault of Teen at Park\">article highlights concerns<\/a> about China&#8217;s growing influence and the necessity\u200b for the U.S. \u2064to reassess its military positioning in the region.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section> <script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Airfields that played a pivotal yet fleeting part of America&rsquo;s campaign against the Japanese Empire in World War II are now being refitted for service as the Pacific is potentially set to become a theater of war in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/teddy-roosevelts-stolen-watch-returned-to-82-year-old-great-grandson-after-discovery\/\" title=\"Teddy Roosevelt&#039;s Stolen Watch Returned to 82-Year-Old Great-Grandson After Discovery\">world&#038;rsquo<\/a>;s next big conflict.<\/p>\n<p>Airstrips on the islands of Peleliu and Tinian are being reconditioned for modern use after decades of dormancy. Major steps have been taken in the last few months to make these islands ready for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/near-death-experiences-a-look-back-at-famous-figures-whose-claims-drew-criticism\/\" title=\"\u2018Near-Death\u2019 Experiences: A Look Back At Famous Figures Whose Claims Drew Criticism\">military aircraft<\/a>, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/observers.france24.com\/en\/asia-pacific\/20240704-us-historic-wwii-airstrip-pacific-tensions-china-taiwan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">France24<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The plans were first announced in April as part of the military&rsquo;s growing focus on the Pacific region.<\/p>\n<p>The airfield on Peleliu was originally a Japanese construction.<\/p>\n<p>Imperial forces on the tiny island numbered some 10,000 before the American amphibious invasion in 1944, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/taskandpurpose.com\/history\/marines-airstrip-peleliu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Task and Purpose<\/a>. To dislodge them, 50,000 American Marines and Army soldiers threw themselves against the entrenched enemy, resulting in one-third of the force dead or injured.<\/p>\n<p>  <script> \t\t\t\tif( ! getCookie( 'ff_subbed' ) ) if( typeof FFADS.replace_ict !='undefined' ) if( FFADS.replace_ict ) eval( FFADS.replace_ict ); \t\t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p>This was one of the costliest amphibious assaults of the war in the Pacific.<\/p>\n<p>Cameras were rolling as U.S. forces worked the island over with heavy bombardments and landed men ashore.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The footage of the landing craft heading toward the beach at Peleliu is really something else.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;BOMBARDMENT OF PELELIU, BEACHHEAD SCENES, SHIPS OFF SHORE <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/USNatArchives?\">@USNatArchives<\/a> NAID: 77562Local ID: 428-NPC-5567&Prime;<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/history?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#history<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ww2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ww2<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zBisgNckjF\">pic.twitter.com\/zBisgNckjF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; OTD Military History (@OTDCanMilHis) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OTDCanMilHis\/status\/1829532891438882990?\">August 30, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The island airstrip provided air coverage and served as a vital link in the island chain strangling the empire. Eventually, the progression of the war rendered the airfield virtually useless, and it was soon overtaken by nature.<\/p>\n<p>On June 22, after months of hard work, the U.S. military marked a &ldquo;triumphant return&rdquo; to the island by landing a C-130 on the resurfaced runway.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;For the first time since its recertification in June, a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the historic Peleliu airstrip, marking a significant and triumphant return to this iconic World War II site, on June 22, 2024,&rdquo; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marforpac.marines.mil\/Media-Room\/Pacific-Marines-Stories\/Article\/Article\/3817209\/first-military-fixed-wing-aircraft-lands-on-peleliu-recertified-airstrip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marine Corps announced<\/a> in June.<\/p>\n<p>The USMC called the mission to make the runway operational a &ldquo;critical&rdquo; part of the military&rsquo;s positioning in the Indo-Pacific region.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command d photos of America&rsquo;s return to this historic airfield, hinting at what is to come as the Pacific becomes more militarized.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PacificMarines?\">@PacificMarines<\/a> aircraft land on a newly designated airstrip on the island of Peleliu, demonstrating the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/USINDOPACOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#USINDOPACOM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/JointForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#JointForce<\/a> ability to adopt emerging concepts to support and defend the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/FreeAndOpenIndoPacific?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#FreeAndOpenIndoPacific<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#128279; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/mY6MTkAmqP\">https:\/\/t.co\/mY6MTkAmqP<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#128205; <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Palau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Palau<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#128248; LCpl Hannah Hollerud <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/f9VsOyZD79\">pic.twitter.com\/f9VsOyZD79<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/INDOPACOM\/status\/1805722645016854883?\">June 25, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/observers.france24.com\/en\/asia-pacific\/20240704-us-historic-wwii-airstrip-pacific-tensions-china-taiwan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">France24<\/a>, the U.S. military is also eyeing the nearby island of Tinian.<\/p>\n<p>Like Peleliu, Tinian&rsquo;s tiny airstrip last saw use in the heat of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/102-year-old-world-war-ii-veteran-dies-trip-d-day-80th-anniversary-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World War II<\/a>. The airfield on Tinian is not yet operational.<\/p>\n<p>The two islands sit some ways off the Chinese coast, giving America even more assets to confront the rapidly-growing superpower. The United States has been forced to rethink its force allocation and global commitments as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/congressional-report-comes-shocking-conclusion-fight-us-china\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">uncomfortable truths<\/a> about the rise of Beijing are becoming clearer than ever.<\/p>\n<p>These islands may not prove to be make-or-break holdings in any future conflict, but they provide the American military more flexibility and strength when push comes to shove in the Pacific.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\">  <\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> <label>* Name<\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> <\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> <label>* <\/label> <br \/> <input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> <\/div>\n<p> <label>* Message<\/label> <br \/> <textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea>  <\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> <input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\">  <\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! ( opts[inputs[i]]=document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"' + inputs[i] + '\"]' ).value ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .required-message' ).style.display='block'; \t\t\t\t\t\treturn; \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction input[type=\"submit\"]' ).style.display='none'; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).src=firefly_loading_gif_url; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display='inline-block';  \t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( 'ma subbing' );  \t\t\t\t\tif( firefly_post_id ) opts['post_id']=firefly_post_id;  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Send the data using post with element id name and name2*\/ \t\t\t\t\tvar posting=jQuery.post( firefly_ajax_url, opts );  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Alerts the results *\/ \t\t\t\t\tposting.done( function( response ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tif( response.success ) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( response.data ); \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display='none'; \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-confirm' ).style.display='block';  \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdataLayer.push( { 'event': 'submit-correction' } ); \t\t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script>  <\/div>\n<p>   <script>console.log(\"ad slot (BA1)\")<\/script> <\/p>\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\">  <\/div>\n<style> \t\t\t \t\t\t.insticator-unit.type-commenting{margin: 0 10px 25px 10px}@media screen and (max-width:1060px){#div-insticator-ad-cmt-1, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-2, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-3, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-4{margin: 0 auto 25px auto !important;}}#div-insticator-ad-cmt-1, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-2, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-3, #div-insticator-ad-cmt-4{height: 280px !important; width: 336px !important} \t\t<\/style>\n<div class=\"insticator-unit type-commenting\">\n<div class=\"insticator-ads\">   <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\t\t\tif ( ! getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-1\"); \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-2\"); \t\t\t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-1\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-2\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t<\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"insticator-ads additional\">   <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\t\t\tif ( ! getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-3\"); \t\t\t\t\t\tInsticator.ad.loadAd(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-4\"); \t\t\t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-3\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"div-insticator-ad-cmt-4\").remove() \t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t<\/script> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Airfields that played a crucial but brief role in America&#8217;s campaign against the Japanese Empire during World War II are currently being upgraded for use, as the Pacific may soon become a battleground in the next major global conflict. The airstrips on Peleliu and Tinian islands are undergoing renovations after years of inactivity. Significant progress has been made recently to prepare these locations for military aircraft, as reported by France24. The initiative was first revealed in April, reflecting the military&#8217;s increasing focus on the Pacific region.<\/p>\n<p>The Peleliu airfield was originally built by Japanese forces, who had around 10,000 troops stationed there before the American amphibious assault in 1944, according to Task and Purpose. To remove them from their fortified positions, approximately 50,000 American Marines and Army soldiers launched an attack that resulted in one-third of their forces either killed or wounded. This operation became one of the most costly amphibious assaults during the Pacific War. Footage captured during this time shows U.S. forces bombarding and landing on Peleliu&#8217;s beaches.<\/p>\n<p>The island&#8217;s airstrip provided essential air support and served as a critical link within a chain of islands constraining Japan\u2019s empire. However, as the war progressed, its strategic value diminished significantly until it was largely reclaimed by nature. On June 22nd of this year, after extensive refurbishment efforts over several months, U.S. military personnel celebrated what they called a &#8220;triumphant return&#8221; to Peleliu when they successfully landed a C-130 aircraft on its newly resurfaced runway.<\/p>\n<p>The Marine Corps highlighted this mission as vital for enhancing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S Indo-Pacific Command shared images marking America\u2019s return to this historic site while hinting at future developments amid increasing militarization in the Pacific.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally reported by France24 is that Tinian Island is also under consideration for similar upgrades; however, its airstrip remains non-operational at present. Both islands are strategically located near China&#8217;s coast and could provide additional resources for America to counterbalance China&#8217;s growing influence. While these locations may not be decisive factors in any potential future conflict, they offer increased flexibility and strength for U.S military operations within the Pacific theater<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2335305,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Tinian.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[39875,39877,39876],"class_list":["post-2335304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-pacificairfields","tag-usmilitary","tag-wwiihistory"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Tinian.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2335304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2335304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2335304\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2335305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2335304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2335304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2335304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}