patrick.net

Diego Garcia, AKA "Dodge," is a major strategic military base in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was a "BIOT" = British Indian Ocean Territory, but the Brits allowed the US to add major military infrastructure before and after the 1980s. I know because I operated out of this base hunting Russki subs. The runway was extended to 20,000 feet, which allowed B-52s and other USAF assets to drop ordnance pretty much anywhere in Asia. Not sure how the base fared in later years, but it was certainly a going concern back in the day.

From Wikipedia:
On 3 October 2024, the UK announced that it will hand over the Chagos islands to Mauritius, with the military base allowed to stay as part of an initial 99-year lease, pending the ratification of a treaty.

Now it'll be used by CHYna. Mauritius itself made no claim on history to ownership.

I remember Diego Garcia as a TDY (temporary stationing) that all aircrews dreaded. I also remember that females did not have to go.