Courtesy Photo | Airmen from the 513th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron use sweepers to clear debris...... read more read more
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The 356th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group (ECEG) based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, has been working hard to unearth, restore, and improve the World War II era North Field air base on the isle of Tinian, with efforts ongoing as of Feb. 23, 2025.
The restoration effort is a Trilateral collaboration between U.S. Air Force engineers, U.S. Navy Seabees, and U.S. Marine engineer teams to restore the airfield as an alternate location for flight operations at nearby Andersen AFB, Guam, should the primary airfield become unsustainable in a time of war.
The ECEG has recently used two teams towards this goal: the 513th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron, and the 356th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force Squadron. The two teams have managed to clear 99% of vegetation from runways, taxiways, and ramps while minding protected bird species and carefully removing WWII era ordnance left behind when the field was abandoned in 1946. Additionally, they’ve shored up walls, restored roofs, paved roads and segments of the flightline while making time to positively interact with island residents.
“This is the first time in decades that the military has laid asphalt on Tinian,” said Tech Sgt. Cesar Cortes, 513th ERHS crew lead. “The teamwork between Red Horse and joint service partners have been outstanding, and the experience gained here will be invaluable as we move on to larger-scale airfield rehabilitation.”
The island was used as a launching point for B-29 bombers during WWII, contributing to missions targeting Imperial Japan to include the Enola Gay and its historic mission. The restoration effort marks the return of U.S. military forces on the island, and the mission in on going.
A ready, lethal air force requires forward planning and efficient use of available resources. The North Field will soon provide an increased deterrent capability for the multilateral capability of U.S. military forces in Guam and throughout the Indo-Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.19.2025 22:08 |
| Story ID: | 492078 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 5,110 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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