US Military Clears 2 More Historic Tinian Runways 80 Years Later | Able, Enola Gay, Hiroshima

[@bradschwamberger1217]

As a former Red Horse member, it is great to see attention paid to current members.

[@sableliger327]

I served with USAF Red Horse engineers in Guatemala back in 2001 during Operation New Horizons. Chill group of guys, but they know their stuff, front and back. I look forward to seeing the old Tinian runways teeming with activity and turning them into a fully functioning AFB. We sure need them in case China gets squirrely.

[@nickyoder4712]

My great uncle built those runways!

[@DiscoverSaipan]

Excellent! Did he ever go back to visit? Did he take photos?

[@kevinawalsh1]

My Dad was a WWII Marine and fought there. He was in a 105 Canon crew. He said they would shell the Japs from Saipan ( 3 miles away ) and they would shell them back. He eventually was part of the occupying force on Nagasaki - 6 weeks after the 2nd bomb was dropped.

[@554Rick]

My old Squadron! REDHORSE!!

[@charlescanton4740]

Well there goes my short field practice area from the 1970's(connecting taxiway between the runways)....

[@Coastmac2001]

So you'll need ILS, Papi, Lights etc as well

[@orlandoperez2156]

And I’m Sergeant Perez, one of your KZbin followers

[@DiscoverSaipan]

Thanks! We're at 995 subscribers thanks to folks like you! 1,000 is a huge milestone on KZbin! Tell a friend!

[@DiscoverSaipan]

Did you grab your free copy of There's Something About Saipan? It's free to all in appreciation of your support! www.discoversaipan.com/blog/1000subscribers

[@sableliger327]

"Able", "Baker", "Charles" and "Dog" are the old WW2 era phonetic alphabet designation which were later chanced to "Alpha", "Bravo", "Charlie" and "Delta" and so forth.

[@quakerninja]

I miss it out there I used to work on Saipan at the Pacific Island Club in Collage I made it out to Tinian a few times Take care of yourself, dudes, and no running by the pool

[@DiscoverSaipan]

Thanks! Good advice for life in general!

[@Ripper13F1V]

RedHorse!!!

[@TheLAGopher]

It just makes sense that if the Air Force is going to restore such a massive WW2 strategic bomber airfield complex to operational condition,that eventually, the Air Force is going to send some kind active duty element to man an air traffic control facility, run support functions for the complex,and provide security and access control. They still have alot of work to do.But I would expect fencing and somekind of security zone is going to go up.

[@DiscoverSaipan]

I agree. We can't have US national security subject to the whims of adventurous tourists, tour guides and residents!

[@KarlDahlquist]

I also read that Voice of America closed its broadcasting site on Tinian over the summer. While I know shortwave radio has fallen out of favor, I do wonder if military will be taking over the bldgs, transmitters, etc.

[@pugghansford2746]

I wonder if there presence will create any jobs for the locals there

[@DiscoverSaipan]

At the very least, there'll be a boost to the local economy (restaurants, stores).

[@BulletproofPastor]

Active runways are not a great place for children to fly kites. OF COURSE there will be perimeter fences and restrictions. History is being turned back to active use.

[@alannajones330]

I agree with you on that. Though many air force bases do have historical " museum areas" for civilians. When the active restoration is done a little area with some historical photos and a plaque would be nice.