JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Air Force signed the Record of Decision selecting Tinian International Airport, Tinian, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), specifically the North Option, as the location for the Pacific Air Forces Divert Activities, Exercise Initiative location, Dec. 7, 2016.

Tinian’s selection follows a comprehensive review process conducted as part of the Divert Activities and Exercises, CNMI Final Environmental Impact Statement, which was a required step in the selection process.

“After careful consideration, a Record of Decision was signed this week solidifying the Air Force’s selection of Tinian, North Option, as the location for this initiative,” said Richard K. Hartley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy. “We worked closely with the people of the CNMI community throughout this selection process and we are grateful for their support and cooperation.”

Tinian was selected as the preferred alternative location for the initiative in February with other locations considered including Saipan International Airport, Saipan; Rota International Airport, Rota; and Guam International Airport, Guam.

The purpose of the initiative is to establish additional divert options to support training activities and increase regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, while ensuring the ability to meet mission requirements in the event access to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, or other western Pacific locations is limited or unavailable.

Under this action, Tinian International Airport will be equipped with the facilities and infrastructure needed to support a combination of cargo, tanker, and similar aircraft and associated support personnel necessary to achieve divert capabilities in the Western Pacific and conduct military exercises.

"Tinian's location and role as a divert airfield will prove extremely important if access to Andersen Air Force Base or other Western Pacific airfields is limited or unavailable due to a contingency or natural disaster," said Brig. Gen. Craig Wills, Pacific Air Forces Director of Strategy, Plans and Programs. "This decision is an important step in enhancing joint capabilities for US Pacific Command."