Tinian airbase

[peter]

Quick question, why was this not kept a base and also looks like the bomb pit 2 has been vandalised?

[sandiego89]

Post war there was no need for Tinian, there were better bases in Japan, Korea, Guam, etc. with much better port, infrastructure and airfield facilities. These were also in better locations along major air routes and closer to anticipated hot spots.

[wendovertom]

Peter,

What are you referring to when you say the bomb pit has been vandalized?

I was luck enough to go there in 2010 (man that seems so long ago now) and the island council had done a good job of caring for the pits. They had been filled in and used as 'planters' but then at that time they were excavated and covered with a framework and glass covering.

My guess is that for whatever reason Guam had/has a better airfield, harbor facilities (deeper more protected?) and resources. My time on Tinian was a singular experience and I can't say enough about the people, the history and the diving. Sad to see that everything has pretty much closed up shop and little to nothing is going on there now.

Tom P.

[peter]

Thanks guys, will have to post a link to the video if I can find it again.. it showd alot of glasspanels broke out and the pictures gone from inside.

Found it.. Bomb pit 1 2 yrs ago according to the date..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe62yy4ImgQ

[wendovertom]

That is unfortunate. When I was there we visited the assembly building foundations, old control tower, Japanese bunkers, 509th command area and theater area, base hospital and island radio beacon foundations. Incredible place - too bad they cannot get a little more tourism going there to support the island.

Tom P.