The Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar says it is no secret the CNMI is a vital asset and of significant value to the United States' national security.
She says everything in the Joint Marianas, which includes Guam, is important to the military and contributes to national security.
Rear Admiral Bolivar attended the inauguration of the CNMI's Governor Eloy Inos and Lieutenant Governor Ralph Torres last week and held a meeting with the pair along with senior US military officials involved in the Pacific.
She says no decision has been made on the use of the territory as a divert airfield in case the Andersen Air Force Base on Guam is rendered inoperable due to attack or natural calamity.
Saipan and Tinian are being mulled as a location for the alternative airbase.
Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar with Governor Iloy Enos and deputy Ralph Torres Photo: RNZI / Mark Rabago
