“The Philippines, of course, had not served merely as the make-weight originally planned in the peace negotiations with Spain. In its imperialist mood, the United states had kept them. After Roosevelt became President he urged the construction of a system of naval bases in the new possessions, including the Philippines. The Navy eventually proposed that a major Pacific Ocean naval installation be located at Olongapo, on Subic Bay on the island of Luzon. By the time of the proposal, however, Japan had certified herself as an independent centre of sea power through her naval victories over Russia in the war of 1904-1905, and as a military power on land as well. The United States Army therefore objected to the Subic Bay site as indefensible against Japan. The Navy, concentrated in American waters in accordance with Mahan’s dicta, could not guarantee against a swift Japanese attack upon an archipelago some 7,000 miles distant from the United States. The Army, with a total authorized strength of less than 100,000, could not create a garrison strong enough to defend a Philippine base until the fleet could arrive. In 1909 the Navy perforce withdrew the site of its projected major Pacific base to Pearl Harbor. In a remark that was to become proverbial, President Roosevelt referred to the Philippines as the “Achilles heel” of American defense.”
SOURCE: The American Way of War, A History of United States Military Strategy and Policy – Russell F. Weigley, Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York 1973.
JackJensen: I came across my father's name - Capt. Paul Jensen - who was with the CIC, on the forum. I'm hoping to find more, though it appears that his area - Sicily, North Africa - was not the focus of the board. So, I'm not sure how much I can contribute.
Jan 6, 2024 20:44:06 GMT 8
EXO: To clarify: There are a disturbing number of applicants for membership who are not reading the rules. As a result, new members who have not made a relevant post within 3 months may be deleted without further notice, on the ground they are "bots".
Feb 29, 2024 20:10:50 GMT 8
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lf62: Does anyone have the pdf file of 434. US Naval Station (NAVSTA) Subic Bay 1985 map or drawing that they can share with me? Let me know and I will send you my email address.
Mar 14, 2024 15:18:24 GMT 8
fortman: Thanks Karl. Sad to see so much deterioration on Grande Island.
Apr 18, 2024 3:44:41 GMT 8