The American defense has shown particular interest in Narsarsuaq, when an American officer from the Marine Corps has visited the airport settlement. This is reported by DR.dk.
The officer showed particular interest in the condition of the runway, depth and water conditions around the harbor and possibilities for accommodation in the area.
Airport manager Finn Thomsen is one of the sources who has told DR about the visit:
- Among other things, we showed the harbor, which the person in question believed was a major asset in relation to a possible use of the airport, as the harbor is relatively deep, confirms airport manager Finn Thomsen to DR.
According to the media, the officer acted on behalf of the American embassy in Copenhagen and the authorities in Washington. The US embassy confirms the visit to DR.
Facing major changes
The announcement of the US interest comes just as the runway in Narsarsuaq and the entire settlement are facing major changes, because the runway will be taken out of service and the airport will be converted into a heliport in connection with the opening of the new airport in Qaqortoq on Thursday.
The change is expected to result in a large loss of jobs and relocation from the settlement.
Regarding the US interest, US General Gregory Guillot, who is the commander-in-chief of the North American forces, told a Senate hearing in Washington recently that negotiations are underway for access to three additional defense areas in addition to Pituffik Space Base.
American General: Three Areas We Would Like to Negotiate
The general did not mention specific areas but said the following:
– We are looking together with Denmark and Greenland at an expansion of the defense areas in Greenland, which is allowed under the base agreement from 1951.
- There are three areas that we would like to negotiate with Denmark and Greenland to see if we can expand the defense areas from Pituffik Space Base, where we are today, to these other areas, which will support our defense capabilities, said Gregory Guillot.
Originally, the runway in Narsarsuaq was built by the Americans during World War II, and there was a military base on the site until 1958.
