The US is considering reactivating the naval airbase at Adak, a remote Cold War station in the Aleutian Islands. Here’s what’s happening ¹:
Key Points
- US Interest: The head of US Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Sam Paparo, supports reactivating Adak to enhance deterrence and maritime patrol capabilities in the contested North Pacific.
- Chinese Interest: A Chinese shipping company, potentially a front for the Chinese military, has expressed interest in leasing the land from the Aleut Corporation, raising concerns about China’s growing presence in the region.
- Strategic Importance: Adak’s location allows for increased surveillance and monitoring of Russian and Chinese forces operating in the North Pacific and Bering Sea.
- Potential Benefits: Reactivating Adak would enable up to 10 times more maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft coverage, enhancing US military presence and deterrence capabilities.
Implications
- Regional Security: The move could impact regional security dynamics, potentially creating opportunities for the US to strengthen its position in the North Pacific.
- Competition with China: The US is racing against China to secure a strategic foothold in the region, with the Aleut Corporation likely to prioritize a deal with the US Navy over a Chinese company.
Next Steps
- Final Report: Northern Command and Indo-Pacific Command are working on options to reactivate the base, with a final report expected soon.
- Lease Negotiations: The US Navy and Aleut Corporation may negotiate a lease agreement, potentially for 99 years, to secure the base for US military use.
Image above: The small harbor at Adak, Alaska, 2015 (Paxson Woelber / CC BY 2.0)
