Air Force begins environmental review of training at four Northern Mariana Islands airfields

By Calvin Strand

WASHINGTON — The Air Force is starting a formal environmental review of plans to run aircraft training and exercises at all four airfields in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, including the World War II-era North Field on Tinian, according to a notice of intent published Wednesday in the Federal Register.

The study, called the CNMI Airfields Training and Exercises Environmental Impact Statement, covers Saipan International Airport, Tinian International Airport, Tinian North Field and Rota International Airport. The Department of the Air Force is the lead agency and plans to invite the Federal Aviation Administration and the Commonwealth Ports Authority, which runs the islands’ civilian airports, to join as cooperating agencies, the notice says.

The Air Force says the training is needed to keep its forces ready in the Indo-Pacific. The proposal would “enhance DAF operational readiness and resiliency by conducting distributed operations across multiple locations within a single U.S. territory,” and is needed “in support of the Agile Combat Employment concept and to maintain operational readiness and responsiveness in the Indo-Pacific,” according to the notice. It would also “strengthen interoperability with Joint, allied, and partner forces within the Mariana Islands region,” and could support exercises involving other services, allies or partner nations.

The Washington Inquisitor sought comment from Pacific Air Forces public affairs, the Air Force’s project team, the Commonwealth Ports Authority, the office of Gov. David M. Apatang and the office of Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, the territory’s representative in Congress.

What the Air Force is proposing

Under the proposed action, the Air Force would hold small, medium and large training events with up to 1,200 fixed-wing and 320 rotary-wing operations — takeoffs and landings — at each airfield every year, the notice says. Each airfield could see up to 550,000 gallons of fuel delivered, stored and distributed, and up to 1,000 personnel.

The plan also includes temporary “expeditionary infrastructure and utilities,” munitions handling including chaff and flares, and support services. The notice says the proposal “does not include construction, creation or modification of airspace, or an increase or change in munitions expenditures beyond those analyzed in previous NEPA documentation.”

The study will also look at a more intensive option, Alternative 1, with operations 20 percent above the proposed action, and a no-action alternative, according to the notice. The Air Force says it will seek all required permits and consultations, including under the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act and the Clean Air Act.

Public meetings and timeline

A 30-day public scoping period began with Wednesday’s publication. Comments will be taken throughout the process, but the Air Force asks that they be filed within the scoping window. Scoping meetings are scheduled for:

• Nov. 18, 5 to 8 p.m. Chamorro Standard Time, at the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio, Saipan
• Nov. 19, 5 to 8 p.m., at Tinian Western Lodge in Marpo Heights, Tinian
• Nov. 21, noon to 3 p.m., at the Rota Mayor’s Office in Tatachok, Rota, with the courthouse or Round House as possible alternate sites

Comments can be filed at the meetings, on the project website, CATEEIS.com, by email to PACAF.NEPA.CATEEIS@us.af.mil, or by mail to AFIMSC Det 2/CEV, Attn: CATE EIS, 25 E St., Ste. C-310, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853, the notice says.

A draft environmental impact statement is expected in fall 2027, and a final version in summer 2028. Shawn Williams is listed as the Air Force contact for questions about the proposal and for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Inquisitor will update this story with any responses.