The Government of Japan could be the key to the preservation of SBIA.
U.S. Navy carrier based aircraft have been conducting Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) in Iwo Jima on a "temporary" basis for many years. However, under the October 29, 2005 Security Consultative Document, http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/security/scc/doc0510.html, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S. to identify a permanent facility for these exercises someplace else than Iwo Jima. Moreover, this issue is coming to a head. A Roadmap for the implementation of the aforesaid Security Consultative Agreement set a deadline for this decision of July 2009 "or the earliest possible date thereafter". http://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2008/31Part3_Chapter2_Sec2.pdf at page 236.
Inviting the U.S. Navy back to SBIA to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice would be a win-win for everyone. For Japan, by enabling to it fulfill its Japan-US Security Treaty obligation to provide a permanent site for the conduct of FCLPs. For the Freeport Zone and Olongapo, by providing hotels and restaurants the business of visiting aircrew. For SBIA, by providing a source of revenue allowing it to continue to exist as an airport. And especially, for Manila bound and Clark bound passengers, by providing an airport flights can be diverted to in case both Manila or Clark are closed by weather or accident.
So what we have here is all the ingredients to the solution of a problem, except one thing-leadership. The Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce "Airport Committee" might wish to fill that gap and contact the Japanese Embassy. The U.S. and Japan are currently actively engaged in seeking a resolution of this issue. The timing is perfect for the Airport Committee to insinuate itself into the process.
[The Subic Bulletin] Thank you for what seems like a well thought through and researched suggestion. The Subic Bulletin has requested a statement from The Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce as to whether they have considered this or if in fact their committee has any ideas. We will share their response if any is received.
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