Originally Posted by
Intl359Widget
I’m a big aficionado of history so in all honesty, I wouldn’t object to a diversion or a scheduled stop on Midway Atoll to see firsthand WW2 history.
In the past, passengers were allowed off the aircraft and even given short tours. The fact that the gymnasium and theatre are now in ruin and the main open side hanger is becoming unsafe, there is no place on the island for a large group to gather safely so I’m sure deplaning will no longer be allowed, unless necessary. They don’t even have air-stairs tall enough to reach wide body aircraft doors. In addition, there is talk of invasive species (plants) restrictions which will require significant decontamination of cargo and people’s clothing prior to arrival. A mouse eradication program (using
Brodifacoum-25D ) in ready to go once they deal with COVID issues which will restrict how any supply ships can use the port and docks. They have found traces of big headed ants also, which love to eat chicks and are difficult to eradicate.
The atoll is under the strict control of the FWS and the visitors program is over and will probably never return. Only a privileged few can visit along with bird counting volunteers. This atoll houses the only national Battle Memorial that you cannot visit.
Currently there are only 8 Americans on island, 2 with the FWS, 2 volunteers, the airport manager, Chugach Manager and 2 firefighters. The rest, usually around 30, are Thai contract workers. US labor laws and wage rules don’t apply to Midway because of its special designation (unincorporated territory). When the flight landed, both the FWS and airport manager were off island.
If you search around, you will find little detailed information about this embarrassing incident. The FWS and Chugach have been told not to discuss it. No press releases nor hero stories have been published like when the Delta and United flights landed. President Obama was there a number of years ago when they expanded the
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and showed all the plastic washed up on the beach......which pretty much all comes from the Asian continent.
The US spends a ton of money to keep this airport open and yet.....the atoll workers slept through it all!
DEN