MANILA : Farewell to Clark
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After nearly a century of American military presence, the United States will formally withdraw from Clark Air Base in a historic ceremony today, returning the giant volcano-damaged facility to Philippine control.
Clark, one of the first American bases established overseas, was evacuated last June shortly before the eruption of neighboring Mt. Pinatubo.
A total of 111 buildings collapsed, and 135 suffered significant damage. Extensive cleanup was required for more than 300 others. Looting has been reported since the eruption.
The closing doesn’t affect America’s huge naval base and air station at Subic Bay; negotiations are under way to close that installation in 1994.
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