Tinian to host Operation Ellipse Charlie
Tinian Mayor Ray Dela Cruz was pleasantly last Thursday with a surprise visit by another military organization planning on using the military leased lands on Tinian.
Capt. Paul Blanton, U.S. Army 1/1 Special Forces out of Okinawa, Japan, explained to the mayor that Ellipse Charlie is a Validation Exercise that will incorporate activities on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. On Tinian, they will be conducting a “Close Quarter Battle” operation, clearing and securing buildings for mainly urban warfare.
This will be a joint Army-Navy exercise, featuring America’s Green Berets, Navy Seals and Seabees, “rescuing” hostages from buildings on Tinian’s military leased lands. As with the MAG-12 operation, Ellipse Charlie has a buy local policy. Besides food and water, they will be purchasing lots of lumber to construct their practice area.
Ellipse Charlie will be conducted on Sept. 18 – 22. The number of troops involved is not known.
When the mayor asked why they chose Tinian for this operation, the response was, “We have been told Tinian is a military friendly island.”
“Yes it is!” beamed the mayor. “We have been waiting a long time for this. We are ready to support you. And don’t forget to try your luck at the Dynasty casino!” (PR)
