The Pentagon has warned that U.S. military bases in the Pacific region are in critical condition — Bloomberg
U.S. military facilities in the Pacific region are in a state of alarm due to significant infrastructure deterioration. The Pentagon’s inspector general issued this warning, expressing concern about bases that are critical to containing China.
During inspections of 11 U.S. facilities, inspectors found corrosion and holes in buildings, collapsed ceilings, mold, and asbestos. The problems affect both the infrastructure necessary for the combat readiness of U.S. troops and the housing facilities for service members and their families.
The August 6 report notes that the problems also include damage to water supply and residential infrastructure, which are not directly related to critical combat capabilities but are necessary to support the operations of U.S. military personnel in the region.
One of the most problematic bases is Kadena Air Base on the Japanese island of Okinawa. It is a key hub for U.S. aviation in the Pacific region and stores approximately $836 million worth of ammunition. Photographs attached to the report show damaged and rust-covered hangar structures.
At Kadena, at least 243 homes had to be evacuated due to structural damage. Another 139 homes were damaged by collapsing ceilings.
Similar problems were identified at Yokota Air Base and Camp Courtney Marine Corps Base. At three U.S. facilities in Japan, mold, fire damage, cracks in buildings, water infiltration, and the presence of lead and asbestos in building materials were documented.
Pentagon officials attributed the significant deterioration of the infrastructure to the fact that many of the buildings were constructed as far back as the 1970s. Other cited causes include earthquakes, tsunamis, and shortages of personnel and funding.
The Pentagon stated that military departments, together with the relevant agencies, will work to address the identified deficiencies and develop a detailed schedule for repair work.
Source: Bloomberg
As a reminder, the U.S. lost a quarter of its MQ-9 Reaper fleet in the war with Iran.
Iran has executed 56 people, and more than 100 others may face execution.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be fully open to international shipping as early as August 4. After that, he said, Washington and Tehran will move on to a new phase of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
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