Ports and terminals:
Charlotte Amalie, Limetree Bay
Military Virgin Islands
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues Virgin Islands
Disputes - international: none
This page was last updated on 8 February, 2007
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@Wake Island
Introduction Wake Island
Background:
The US annexed Wake Island in 1899 for a cable station. An
important air and naval base was constructed in 1940-41. In December
1941, the island was captured by the Japanese and held until the end
of World War II. In subsequent years, Wake was developed as a
stopover and refueling site for military and commercial aircraft
transiting the Pacific. Since 1974, the island's airstrip has been
used by the US military, as well as for emergency landings. All
operations on the island were suspended and all personnel evacuated
in August 2006 with the approach of super typhoon IOKE (category 5),
which struck the island with sustained winds of 250 kph and a 6 m
storm surge inflicting major damage. A US Air Force assessment and
repair team returned to the island in September and restored limited
function to the airfield and facilities. The future status of
activities on the island will be determined upon completion of the
survey and assessment.