Pentagon watchdog warns of severe decay at US military bases across Pacific region
US military facilities across the Pacific are in a worrying state of decay, the Pentagon inspector general warned, raising concerns about bases that are critical to deterring China. Corrosion and holes in buildings, falling ceilings and the presence of mould and asbestos were among the problems identified through inspections of 11 US facilities across the region and relayed to a dozen senior…
A Pentagon watchdog has raised alarms about the severe deterioration of US military bases in the Pacific region, warning of significant corrosion, structural issues, and health hazards. The inspector general's office examined 11 facilities across the Pacific region and informed 12 senior Defense Department officials about the concerning conditions.
The problems include holes in buildings, falling ceilings, mold, asbestos, and water and housing infrastructure challenges. These deficiencies have impacted essential infrastructure for US forces' readiness, as well as troop and family facilities. The inspector general noted that many of the structures date back to the 1970s and are vulnerable to environmental risks like earthquakes and tsunamis, coupled with personnel and funding shortages.
Notable examples include Kadena Air Base, which houses crucial munitions, and has 243 homes vacated due to structural damage. Yokota Air Base and Marine Base Camp Courtney, also in Japan, share similar maintenance and storage issues. Pentagon officials stated that departments would address these deficiencies, with a timeline to be developed.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
