Mariana Islands lack space for proposed massive U.S. Pacific base

The Northern Mariana Islands government told reporters that it does not have enough land to satisfy the U.S. Department of War’s request for a new “Great American Base,” which calls for a single, contiguous parcel of 100,000 to 250,000 acres. Governor David Apatang highlighted that the Commonwealth’s total land area is only about 179 square miles and its population is under 50,000, making the required space unattainable.

Special assistant Edward Camacho added that the proposal also demands robust electricity, water, schools, health facilities and housing—needs the islands are already seeking federal aid to repair after successive typhoons. Camacho suggested the territory could still contribute to the U.S. Pacific strategy by hosting smaller annexes on Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands, serving as staging and logistics hubs.

He noted the islands’ three airports and three seaports are strategically valuable but would need major upgrades. The CNMI intends to reply to the Department of War within about ten days, detailing its land and infrastructure limits while proposing possible alternatives. No formal rejection or approval of the base has been issued yet.