EMO warns of military activities on FDM

Fishermen, commercial pilots and tour operators are advised to stay away from Farallon de Mendenilla starting tomorrow, as the U.S. military will be conducting underwater and aerial survey in the area.

According to the Emergency Management Office, the U.S. Navy and the Division of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting marine environmental survey at the island 24 hours daily from June 12 to 16. Aerial survey will also be held from 9am to 3pm on July 14, and from 8 am to 12 pm on July 26.

The general location of this activity will be on the island of Farallon De Mendenilla training area from 15,000 feet mean sea level on a 10-nautical mile radius on all quadrants, EMO said.

“Due to the danger impose by this activity the general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and tour operators, are advised to stay away from this location during the time and dates indicated. The cooperation and understanding of the general public is greatly appreciated,” EMO said.

Farallon de Mendenilla has been the venue for the U.S. Navy’s military training.

The latest series of bombing exercises on FDM was held from June 15 to 18 of this year, amid an increasing trend in military activities in the Marianas region.

Naval Forces Marianas commander Rear Adm. Arthur Johnson, in a recent visit to the CNMI, bared plans to increase military presence on Tinian.

The military currently controls about 30 percent of the landmass of Tinian, maintaining leasehold over 7,628 acres of public land. The military leases about 178 acres of public land on Saipan, while maintaining leasehold over the entire FDM.

Johnson had also disclosed the increasing trend in the military’s joint and multilateral training with allied countries, including the Philippines, Australia, and Brunei.

Last month, the U.S. Navy and Special Forces from Singapore conducted a joint training on Guam.

Farallon de Mendenilla is the first island north of Saipan.