DOD, CNMI officials discuss major projects

Department of Defense officials visited Saipan this week as part of a series of stakeholder meetings. It comes amid major developments on Tinian and the region.  

Major General Mark Hashimoto, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said, "This is about mutual respect, where we meet as equal partners, making sure that we're aligned as to the details of all the activities that are coming up somewhere in the short term, some are in the medium term and some are in the long term. And the last and most important thing, I think, is making sure that we remain we continue the momentum for all of these projects."

They also discussed how local businesses could benefit from he industry. The mayors of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian joined members of the legislature in the briefing.

Gov. Arnold Palacios said, "We try our best to get everybody involved in the discussions so that we can maximize what benefits the Commonwealth can have and also maximize the information and awareness that we would have as a community on the activities of the Department of Defense in our communities."

Part of the discussion focused on the Tinian divert airfield, the rehabilitation of Tinian’s north field, and other large-scale projects. The community can expect more Saipan port calls.

Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman with Joint Region Marianas said, "I was engaging with the commanders at the Seventh Fleet and at the Pacific Fleet to work on encouraging more opportunities to bring ships here to Saipan and throughout the region. So it's a great benefit for the sailors. Everyone that I've talked to really enjoys coming and enjoying some time off here in Saipan, and I know it's going to be a great opportunity for the people here to host ships when they come into the ports."

Another issue on the table was the cost of travel, including for military families who want to visit Saipan from Guam, which could cost nearly $600 roundtrip.

Palacios said, "We need to, one, to talk to United to lower their price. Secondly, look for another airline to enter the market also. Maybe that'll help.