Fact Or Fiction-Subic Bay-American Forces

[jon1]

 

You also might want to consider this source of topic. A chinese tabloid/propaganda machine.

 

Exactly.  I found some of the items comical.

 

Global Times reported observing large gray warehouses, power plants, pipelines and docks in the Subic Bay area that appear to be for military use but are far too large and extensive for the Philippines Navy. Its sources also claimed that the premises of the former naval base is being maintained by a "mysterious" foreign company which is said to be preparing for the US Navy to move back in at any time. Under the current negotiations between the two countries, the Philippines may reportedly give the US access to bases including Subic Bay, which is considered an extension of the South China Sea.

 

Apparently they are just leaning how to use Google maps in satellite view.   They should be careful as Google maps for this area is mostly outdated.  Jon, correct me if I am wrong, but the large gray buildings have been here since the old base, correct?  Most of the time they have hundreds of imported trucks parked around that area.

 

That is nice that they recognized our power plant and the fuel depot area.  I probably saw 20 ships in the bay today and it is good that they don't have to go to Manila for fuel!  There are also 4 new huge grain silos out by the airport.  I think maybe those had rice in them but now I am thinking maybe they are missile silos?   :hystery:

 

There will more of a presence but I'm guessing that most ship activity will be support ships that possibly attend to the big guys out in the South China sea.  If I see an aircraft carrier come in, I will let you know.

 

 

Who know what buildings that he is referring to? There is a lot of original infrastructure out there still with original paint. The power plant looks like it has been there a long time. Maybe he is referring to the controversial coal power plant they are building out past the shipyard?? There is a new Shell Fuel farm across from the Coastal Farm along with a new fuel transfer pier.

 

I was not inferring that there would be no presence, just nothing like before or even on the same scale. The will not "permanently" position troops in the Philippines in accordances with the VFA and Mutual Defense Treaty. Troop numbers rolling thru will be cyclic and erratic. All in an as needed or requested basis by the RP gov't.

[Call me bubba]

guess who was in town a few days ago? none other than the CNO Greenert

[SNAFU]

That's right, Pittman, and his (our) big CINC is scheduled to visit later this spring.  There's been several US-Philippines support/ally related articles on Huff Post, Bloomberg, Reuters and a few others this past week, I didn't save the links, but they're not too hard to find.

[OnMyWay]

Who know what buildings that he is referring to? There is a lot of original infrastructure out there still with original paint.

 

 

I think the only large gray buildings would be these next to the yacht club.  Those are the ones I was referring too.  The large lot on Rizal was packed with trucks recently but all of a sudden most were gone.  Now it seems like they are trickling back in.  I assume those are imported and coming in on ships?

 

I think this Google satellite view is old but this area is still about the same. 

 

[jon1]

I believe that is a vehicle import yard now. Maybe Jake can chime in on whether those are original buildings or not.

[Jake]

I believe that is a vehicle import yard now. Maybe Jake can chime in on whether those are original buildings or not.

Those were definitely not the original structures.  You're right Jon, looks like port facilities for roll on-roll off.

I agree with Scott H that having permanent bases in PI is not cost effective anymore.  Besides that, as NK

ballistic missiles improve, it will only take less than 20 minutes to hit Subic or any other deep harbors in PI.

Much less time on top if China decided to go stupid with NK and launch also from their coast.  I would rather

stay mobile and flexible out to sea.  If we need to deliver or to project power, shoot and scoot strategy is the

only way to go using the open sea.  

 

Additionally, most of the dirty dozen senators who voted to kick out the US military back in the 90's are still

living.  I believe there are too much opposition (and lack of gratefulness) to allow permanent US presence

again.  They would have to rewrite their constitution.

 

Perhaps setting up US presence in northern Australia (Darwin Naval Base) should be seriously considered.

Edited March 8, 2014 by Jake
spil chek

[OnMyWay]

Besides that, as NK ballistic missiles improve, it will only take less than 20 minutes to hit Subic or any other deep harbors in PI. Much less time on top if China decided to go stupid with NK and launch also from their coast.  I would rather stay mobile and flexible out to sea.  If we need to deliver or to project power, shoot and scoot strategy is the only way to go using the open sea.  

 

I agree with shoot and scoot from the open sea, because I live here!   :)

[sjp52]

I wonder what they would say if the US said we get bases or you dont get help

[Call me bubba]

The Philippine islands are too strategic for the US military not to have some kind of presence, even covertly.

 

interesting comment, here is a article that discusses your  statement

THOU they will not return to SUBIC they will have a presence elsewhere

 

http://www.garfieldsteamhouse.org/History/Philippines/SpecialOperationsPhilippines1987-2007.php

[jon1]

Here is a writeup on the mission down south.

 

http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/has-operation-enduring-freedom-philippines-been-a-success

 

I was fortunate to have been a part of it for almost 6 years (uniform and contractor). What will be interesting to see is what happens when the peace accord is signed. I am thinking that more breakaway groups will form and there will continue to be the same stuff going on as it is part of a larger agenda.