4,500 AF Personnel Leaving Philippines
The United States began withdrawing 4,500 Air Force personnel from the Philippines on Saturday as the volcano that crippled its two largest military bases in Asia appeared to be building up for a new blast.
U.S. spokesmen said Clark Air Force Base, headquarters of the U.S. 13th Air Force, would be shut for six months, although most services at Subic Bay Naval Base could be restored within two to three weeks.
Scientists monitoring Mt. Pinatubo said a series of high-frequency volcanic quakes could mean rocks are being broken up deep within the volcano, pushing up magma, or molten rock, for another serious explosion.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
