The U.S. Marines successfully landed a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker on the recertified airfield in Peleliu, an island in the Pacific region. This marks the first time a military fixed-wing aircraft has touched down on the airstrip since its recertification in June 2024. The airfield, named in honor of WWII Marine veteran Eugene Sledge, was rehabilitated by the Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau (MCED-P) 24.1, with engineers from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.
The successful landing on June 22 signifies the culmination of months of dedicated work by Marine engineers to restore the WWII-era Japanese airfield, enhancing U.S. military strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The historic landing was witnessed by local leaders and community members, including Peleliu Governor Emais Roberts, who expressed optimism about the future of the island. “The landing of the C-130 on the resurfaced runway after many years hopefully begins a new chapter for a prosperous future of Peleliu island,” remarked Governor Roberts. He also thanked the U.S. Department of Defense and the Marines for their efforts in making the joint-use airfield a reality.
The airfield, now called the Sledge runway, commemorates Private First Class Eugene Sledge of the 1st Marine Division, known for his memoir “With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa.” This memoir provides a vivid account of the brutal Battle of Peleliu, where approximately 8,000 Marines and soldiers were wounded, and about 1,800 were killed. The Imperial Japanese forces suffered an estimated 10,900 casualties.
The recertified airstrip stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation of the Marine Corps engineers, bridging the past and the future by honoring WWII sacrifices while enhancing regional security and cooperation. The engineers’ efforts have restored the airfield to accommodate large, fixed-wing aircraft, reinforcing the U.S. military’s ability to operate effectively in the Pacific region.
As part of their ongoing mission, Combat Logistics Battalion 13 will enhance the Peleliu Civic Center Museum, ensuring the legacy of those who fought in the Battle of Peleliu is honored and remembered. This project aims to provide a new home for historic artifacts, commemorating the upcoming 80th anniversary of the battle in September.
The landing of the KC-130J is a critical step in the U.S. military’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes recent investments in other strategic locations, such as upgrades to airfields in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, to counter China’s military build-up.
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