A controversial indoor firing range has been opened in American Samoa which was built between two high schools.
American Samoa guests at opening of firing range include Pulu Ae Ae Jr., Acting Governor Talauega and Commissioner of Public Safety Le'i Sonny Thompson Photo: RNZ Monica Miller
The $US10 million range is sandwiched between Tafuna High and the South Pacific Academy.
Parents and teachers opposed the location of the range over safety and legal concerns, claiming it was in violation of the Gun Free School Zones Act.
But at the opening ceremony for the range, Brigadier General Douglas Anderson from the US Army Reserve said the facility was safe.
"Behind me is about the most impressive facility that I have seen, and its built for the sons and daughters and the soldiers of the Army Reserve here in American Samoa. This is the newest, most modern, safe facility that the Army Reserve has."
Douglas Anderson said US Army Reserve soldiers in American Samoa would no longer have to travel off island for weapons training.
The facility will also be used to train police and other American Samoa Government personnel who are required to carry weapons.
Army officials said it was built to standards that exceeded safety construction regulations in the US, and that both 5.56 and 9mm rounds had no chance of escaping the structure.
They said it could be used as a model for similar facilities in far away locations such as the CNMI.
Photo: 123RF