North Field in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, served as the busiest airport in the world on March 31, 1945, as it played a pivotal role in the launching of the atomic bombings of Japan. The US Air Force is now planning to reactivate this historic airfield as part of its efforts to expand its basing options in the face of potential hostilities with China, according to Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of Pacific Air Forces.

Tinian, a US territory located in the Pacific, is set to see the reclamation of the North Airfield, which has been reclaimed by jungle since the departure of US military units in 1946. Wilsbach anticipates significant progress in the rejuvenation of Tinian North in the coming months, along with the addition of facilities at Tinian International Airport.

The historical significance of Tinian in US air operations dates back to World War II, during which the island, along with Saipan and Guam, became home to B-29 Superfortress bombers that carried out relentless bombing raids on the Japanese mainland. Notably, the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were launched from North Field on Tinian.

The Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes a $78 million request for construction projects on Tinian, with the reclamation of North Airfield forming part of the US military’s Agile Combat Employment strategy. This strategic approach aims to disperse air power throughout the Pacific to counteract potential threats, particularly from China.

As part of this strategy, the US Air Force has already been practicing the Agile Combat Employment concept on Tinian, including operating F-22 stealth fighters out of its international airport, which demonstrated the capability to operate in a contested environment.

The historic significance and strategic importance of North Field in Tinian, as well as its role in potential future conflicts in the Pacific, makes the impending reactivation of this airfield an important development for US military operations in the region.