The US Air Force has issued a statement that leaves open the possibility of future refueling stops in American Samoa, despite Governor Lolo Moliga denying permission for a stopover last weekend. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports—
Pacific Air Force Public Affairs issued a carefully worded statement in response to questions about Governor Lolo’s denying refueling permission for 3 Air Force planes with 31 crewmembers on the way to Antarctica.
The Air Force insists it “trains to be flexible to changing operational environments. We plan for contingencies and understand the challenges of operating during a global pandemic.”
But responding to the question of what alternate plans have been made for the trip, the Air Force says, “American Samoa has been a vital fuel stop for the LC-140 transpacific journey for the last 25-years.” That, “in support of Operation Deep Freeze.”
It adds that “Each trip to Antarctica requires careful planning and coordination and we understand the seriousness of operating during a global pandemic.”
Further suggesting future missions could continue to transit American Samoa, the statement says, “We will continue to execute this unique mission that demonstrates our commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific.”
Governor Lolo wrote an Air Force official earlier that American Samoa remains the only US jurisdiction, not “ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic” and can’t risk “accidental entry of the coronavirus” into the territory.
Lolo told USAF Lt Col Matthew Johnson, “The Independent State of Samoa announced its first positive Coronavirus confirmed case which is now creating further threat and uncertainty” for American Samoa…which has not allowed any of its residents stranded in the US to return home, possibly with the virus.
But Pacific Air Force Public Affairs says the military branch has “taken extra precautions to ensure…deployment thru the Indo-Pacific minimizes risks to…allies and partners.”
Still, the Governor stated that adhering to preventative protocols “does not provide absolute guarantee of no virus transmission” and based on the surge nationwide in cases and deaths…and the vulnerability of American Samoa’s population… “I cannot in good conscience, subject our people to this deadly virus.”
