Wake Island
(territory of the US)
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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. Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Source: The Places Factbook, CIA. |
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 Places 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.