On May 29, 2012, a Marine KC-130J Hercules touched down on Baker Runway at Tinian’s North Field. No plane had landed there since 1947.
It took months. Marines of Wing Support Squadron-171 hacked through thick brush to clear the old wartime strip for Operation Geiger Fury.
“Tinian isn’t just another location—it carries history, and that gives meaning to everything we do here,” said Lt. Col. Michael C. Taylor, the squadron’s commander.
Next door, Able Runway, where the Enola Gay took off, was still unusable. “From a historical perspective, we’re not done yet,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Frederick.
Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, long a backer of training on the island, beamed. Lance Cpl. Jacob Nolan put it simply: “Seeing it happen in person—it’s something else.”
On May 29, 2012, the Marines made history with a daring landing on Tinian’s North Field, reviving a place that had been silent since 1947. Once a key airstrip during World War II, Baker Runway roared back to life as a VMGR-152 “Sumos” KC-130J Hercules aircraft touched down, marking a milestone in military training and historical preservation.
The KC-130J Hercules, known for its versatility in aerial refueling and cargo transport, did more than just land—it symbolized the Marines’ commitment to reclaiming a forgotten piece of history. For the Marines of Wing Support Squadron-171, Marine Aircraft Group-12, this wasn’t just another mission. It was a moment of pride, a testament to their dedication and perseverance.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael C. Taylor, commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron-171, spoke to the significance of the event. “Tinian isn’t just another location—it carries history, and that gives meaning to everything we do here,” he said, emphasizing the deeper purpose behind their presence.
Lieutenant Colonel Aisha Bakkar, public affairs officer for Marine Corps Guam, echoed his enthusiasm. “This is the first aircraft to land on Baker Runway since 1947!” she said, acknowledging the historical weight of the moment.
But the achievement didn’t come easy. Reclaiming the airstrip took months of hard work as the Marines cleared thick overgrowth and battled the elements to restore the runway. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Frederick, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group-12, reflected on their efforts. “Operation Geiger Fury has gone beyond what we imagined,” he said, recognizing the determination that brought the mission to life.
Still, their work was far from over. The nearby Able Runway remained unusable, a reminder of unfinished business. “From a historical perspective, we’re not done yet,” Lt. Col. Frederick admitted.
For the people of Tinian, the return of military activity carried deep significance. Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz, a longtime advocate for military training on the island, expressed his pride. “Tinian’s place in history is undeniable,” he said, recognizing its enduring role in the Pacific.
None of this would have been possible without sheer determination. Marines worked tirelessly, hacking through dense vegetation to clear the path for history to unfold. Watching the KC-130J land, Lance Corporal Jacob Nolan summed up the feeling best. “Seeing it happen in person—it’s something else,” he said, the pride evident in his voice.
As the dust settled, Lieutenant General Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, reflected on the broader lesson. “Operation Geiger Fury is the essence of the expeditionary spirit,” he said. “It’s about adapting, pushing forward, and never backing down.”
Their mission on Tinian wasn’t over—but one thing was certain: history had been brought back to life, and the Marines weren’t about to let it slip away again.
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