Defueling the US Navy: The Story of Red Hill

Commentary On March 28, the Department of Defense announced that it had completed the defueling of the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill bulk oil storage tanks for the Pacific fleet. It did so six months early. The permanent closure of Red Hill was a thrilling achievement, said many—Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Pentagon and Navy spokesmen, Hawaiian officials, environmental groups, and the chemistry-terrified citizens of Hawaii. Mr. Austin, a retired army general, said, “The Department of Defense and the United States Navy remain deeply committed to protecting the public’s health and preserving the environment.” He also said they are committed to continuing to rebuild trust with Hawaii....