Work by United States military engineers to rebuild historic World War Two-era airfields on the Pacific Ocean islands of Tinian and Peleliu is progressing well, according to media updates released in 2026. Washington decided to reactivate facilities on both islands in response to the growing threat from China, which has seen Beijing ramp up its influence in the region over the past 12 months or so.
Tinian, one of the Northern Marina Islands, and Peleliu, which forms one of the 16 states of Palau, were both used by the Americans as airbases in the fight against the Japanese during the latter stages of the global conflict. It was from Tinian that the US launched numerous bombing raids against the Japanese, including the fateful attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Peleliu, meanwhile, was the location of the Battle of Peleliu, one the the fiercest engagements of the Pacific theater.
The upgrading of the 80-year-old facilities includes new runway surfaces, taxiing areas, and hardstands for aircraft. The North Field airfield rehabilitation project on Tinian commenced in 2024, with two of the runways slated for completion by 2027.
In this gallery, we chart the history of both islands and examine in more detail how two remote Pacific islands will once again become vital staging posts for the US military. Click on to continue reading.