Air Force Studies Training Flights Across Three Mariana Islands
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Air Force plans to study how training flights at airports in the Northern Mariana Islands might affect the environment, local communities, and economy. They’re asking for public input now through November 2026 and expect to share a draft report by Fall 2027. This means locals and visitors could see changes at Saipan, Tinian, and Rota airports, with careful planning to keep things safe and balanced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Large-scale military flights at CNMI airports
The Air Force proposes conducting training and exercises at Saipan, Tinian (including Tinian North Field), and Rota airports with up to 1,200 fixed‑wing and 320 rotary‑wing operations per airfield each year. Events per airfield could use up to 550,000 gallons of fuel and involve up to 1,000 personnel, and will be analyzed for effects on the environment, local communities, and the economy.
Alternative allows 20% more flights
The EIS will analyze an Alternative 1 that increases operations by 20% above the Proposed Action — up to 1,400 fixed‑wing and up to 384 rotary‑wing operations per airfield annually. This alternative represents a clearly higher level of flight activity at the same CNMI airfields.
Public scoping: meetings and deadlines
There is a 30‑day public scoping period starting on the Federal Register publication date (October 28, 2026) with in‑person scoping meetings on November 18, 2026 (Saipan), November 19, 2026 (Tinian), and November 21, 2026 (Rota). The Draft EIS is anticipated in Fall 2027 and the Final EIS in Summer 2028; comments are requested within the 30‑day scoping period and can be submitted at meetings, via www.CATEEIS.com, email, or mail.
No construction or airspace change included
The Proposed Action explicitly does not include construction, creation or modification of airspace, or an increase/change in munitions expenditures beyond those analyzed in previous NEPA documentation. The EIS will therefore evaluate operations without new airfield construction or airspace redesign.
Environmental and cultural consultations required
DAF states it will pursue required permits and consultations, including Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, coastal zone consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act, and Clean Air Act compliance as part of the EIS process.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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