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.

Yeah the officers had Quonset huts with AC units in the window and the enlisted had open bay barracks. They called it "Splinterville." Very primitive, but it was like John Wayne in "Flying Tigers." Eat, sleep, fly. I had over 140 flight hours in a month, which triggered a mandatory Flight Surgeon once-over. No problem, good for another 40 hours. Glorius. Later the Air Force came in and made everything "fancy" with real barracks and a PX. Meh.

I think I read they renewed with a 99 year lease. The Woo states massive tunnel action below the land pimple.

rocketjoe79 says

I had over 140 flight hours in a month

BUFF pilot?

AmericanKulak says

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

So what? We don't need no stinking bases outside of the CONUS anyway. Besides, how do you suppose weekend warrior AR-15 wielding minutemen would get there? By swimming?

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