US to close 33 military bases

THE Pentagon yesterday proposed shutting about 180 military installations from Maine to Hawaii, including 33 major bases, triggering the first round of base closures in a decade and an intense struggle by communities to save their facilities.

Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also recommended a list of scores of other domestic installations - including 29 major bases - that will remain open but with thousands fewer troops. Dozens of others will gain troops from other domestic or foreign bases.

Overall, he has said his plan would save $48.8 billion over 20 years while making the military more mobile and better suited for the global effort against terrorism.