U.S. Air Force

Hush-Rush Job For

In Pago Pago

Accommodation for a United States Air Force Unit which is to be based at American Samoa on “special duty” is to be built

immediately at Pago Pago Inter

national Airport.

AMERICAN Samoa’s Governor H.

Rex Lee announced this on March 18, barely a week after an official release stated baldly that a team of Air Force officers from Hawaii and the mainland United States was visiting Tutuila “to discuss facilities at Pago Pago International Airport and the future use of the airport”.

Governor Lee said he had signed an agreement with the Air Force to provide a half-million-dollar transit dormitory and mess hall at the airport, and it was expected that these would be completed “some time this July”.

Governor Lee gave no clue as to the nature of the “special duty” that the Air Force would be engaged in, but the timing of his announce ment and the haste with which the dormitory and mess hall are to be built suggest that it may have some thing to do with France’s projected nuclear tests in the Tuamotus. The French tests, it was reported in March, are likely to take place

earlier than was originally expected, and July has been given as the probable starting date for them.

Governor Lee said that the new facilities would be built and operated by the Government of American Samoa and would provide accom modation for up to 214 people.

A series of one-storey, Samoan style units would have 42 rooms with connecting baths designed for single or double occupancy or for use as efficiency apartments. Another 40 rooms would be built for use by four people, Bathrooms would also be built between these units.

After the accommodation was no longer needed by the Air Force, it would be available “for government or other special uses”.

“These may include housing official groups passing through the territory, housing for passengers of planes which have mechanical trouble, or for accommodating other military groups,” Governor Lee said.

“The new project will enhance the attraction of the airport, which is already enjoying a boom in use.

“Although the airport seemed large for anticipated use two years ago, it is now having to expand its facilities. Two new fuelling pads for aircraft and new aircraft parking areas must be provided immediately.’

Governor Lee.