Yes, you spelled it correctly. I think of the same thing as it was such a key U.S. base during the Cold War and Vietnam War.
I think the withdrawal of the naval base was a strategic logistical loss for the U.S. Navy as it needed a new logistical, repair and maintenance hub but the loss of the naval base was at the same time as the navy was drastically reducing after the Cold War so it did not need as big of a Pacific hub. That softened the impact somewhat.
The loss of the naval base has made it easier for China to exploit its claims in the South China Sea as the US Navy has to come from Japan, Hawaii, or the West Coast to operate in the region. The loss of Cubi Point air station also hurt as well. So yes, it was a net benefit to China for its push into the South China Sea in conjunction with some short sighted and failed U.S. foreign and trade policies across multiple administrations.
That being said, after a 21 year presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, including a period of martial law the accusations of corruption, and being a stalwart American ally in what viewed by many in the Philippines of giving up sovereignty to the US, it was probably the correct political move for the Philippines to establish a post Marcos democratic system. That meant the U.S. footprint and what could be seen as the colonial presence needed to be removed. I think these steps is what has strengthened the Philippines political system and made it more stable (not perfect but solid). This cannot be understated on the impact of starving an insurgency of a message they could use to rally a population to their cause.
The Philippines leadership is now viewing that it does need the U.S. (along with other friendly regional countries) to help counter China. The U.S. views it as a bigger push to keep China out of the first island chain and Philippines as a need to get alliance partners to help protect and reclaim its EEZ from China. That is why more Philippine bases are jointly available for Japan (based on an RFA that Japan still needs to ratify) and the U.S. to operate. Kind of a quid pro quo.
The difference now are the bases are joint bases and not exclusive bases like Subic Bay Naval Base was so it is more of partnership than an exclusive basing right experienced in the past. The issue now is the U.S. and Japan are playing catch up to China in the region.
I bet that was quite impressive tests at Eniwetok! That is incredible accuracy even nowadays for an ICBM that would have a minimum operational warhead yield of 300 kilotons. I think Eniwetok is still a test range for the Minuteman III.
I bet that was spectacular to be there for the testing. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
Was that considered a hardship tour due to its remoteness? I realize that the American involvement in Vietnam was ramping up but when I was in remote locations were considered hardships even in a tropical location. Just curious about the Cold War experiences of all those who served.
I appreciate you sharing the experience. The idea of having your own government keep made me laugh. I also know the feeling of being a time you would never trade.
That is a really good question.
Yes, you spelled it correctly. I think of the same thing as it was such a key U.S. base during the Cold War and Vietnam War.
I think the withdrawal of the naval base was a strategic logistical loss for the U.S. Navy as it needed a new logistical, repair and maintenance hub but the loss of the naval base was at the same time as the navy was drastically reducing after the Cold War so it did not need as big of a Pacific hub. That softened the impact somewhat.
The loss of the naval base has made it easier for China to exploit its claims in the South China Sea as the US Navy has to come from Japan, Hawaii, or the West Coast to operate in the region. The loss of Cubi Point air station also hurt as well. So yes, it was a net benefit to China for its push into the South China Sea in conjunction with some short sighted and failed U.S. foreign and trade policies across multiple administrations.
That being said, after a 21 year presidency of Ferdinand Marcos, including a period of martial law the accusations of corruption, and being a stalwart American ally in what viewed by many in the Philippines of giving up sovereignty to the US, it was probably the correct political move for the Philippines to establish a post Marcos democratic system. That meant the U.S. footprint and what could be seen as the colonial presence needed to be removed. I think these steps is what has strengthened the Philippines political system and made it more stable (not perfect but solid). This cannot be understated on the impact of starving an insurgency of a message they could use to rally a population to their cause.
The Philippines leadership is now viewing that it does need the U.S. (along with other friendly regional countries) to help counter China. The U.S. views it as a bigger push to keep China out of the first island chain and Philippines as a need to get alliance partners to help protect and reclaim its EEZ from China. That is why more Philippine bases are jointly available for Japan (based on an RFA that Japan still needs to ratify) and the U.S. to operate. Kind of a quid pro quo.
The difference now are the bases are joint bases and not exclusive bases like Subic Bay Naval Base was so it is more of partnership than an exclusive basing right experienced in the past. The issue now is the U.S. and Japan are playing catch up to China in the region.
I bet that was quite impressive tests at Eniwetok! That is incredible accuracy even nowadays for an ICBM that would have a minimum operational warhead yield of 300 kilotons. I think Eniwetok is still a test range for the Minuteman III.
I bet that was spectacular to be there for the testing. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.
Was that considered a hardship tour due to its remoteness? I realize that the American involvement in Vietnam was ramping up but when I was in remote locations were considered hardships even in a tropical location. Just curious about the Cold War experiences of all those who served.
I appreciate you sharing the experience. The idea of having your own government keep made me laugh. I also know the feeling of being a time you would never trade.