History in Masirah Island

Masirah has a rather eventful and interesting history filled with fascinating accounts of captured trading ports, access agreements with the United States, rescued hostage stories and chronicles of the Gulf War along with subsequent military action. Here is a comprehensive guide to the history of Masirah Island.

Earliest History

Alexander the Great’s naval admiral Nearchos termed Masirah his Serepsis log and traveled extensively throughout the Gulf to locate and nail down the most strategic trading ports, out of which Masirah was identified as one of the most important centers for trading in the Middle East. In the northern strip of the island, adjacent to the Raf military base, a Celtic cross was displayed in memory of the Baron Inverdate shipwreck in 1904. The island was completely uninhabited until the formation of a military base and the settlement of the Hilf came into existence. The RAF showed signs of an interest in Masirah Island in 1929, when they started forming un-manned posts, and over a period of time the RAF created a permanent presence in the form of airfields and anti-submarine warfare.

Access Agreement with United States

Oman was a loyal supporter of the United States and signed an access treaty with the U.S. in 1981. Three pre-positioning air force bases, support equipment to aid over 26,000 personnel and the required fuel were the results of the agreement. Oman’s views and stand on the problems of the Gulf region were starkly different from other Gulf countries and in 1975, Oman offered to let the United States use Masirah Island. The island then became a base for the failed American attempt to rescue its war prisoners from the Embassy in Tehran.

Upgrading Airfields

From 1981, there have been several operations to improve the country’s airfields and air shelters. Efforts have included revamping runways and construction of development facilities. The Masirah base has been the nucleus and primary focus of this airfield improvement process and Oman renewed its agreement with the United States in 1990 with the United States Army Corps planning and executing heavy air base construction at Masirah, making it a destination to position supplies, ammunition and war vehicles.

Eviction of Iraqi Forces

During 1990 and 1991, the United States used the Masirah base for the eviction of the Iraqi troops from Kuwait. The facilities at Masirah were significant for the coalition forces led by the United States with over 3,000 troops stationed permanently at the Masirah Island airbase. Masirah has been an extremely significant air base during the Gulf war and has been involved in a rather action-packed chronicle of events.