crews have begun dismantling some of the more enduring symbols of the US military presence.

Soon to be gone are the US Naval Air Station's two prominent red and white jet-fuel storage tanks, slowly being cut into slabs of scrap metal by crews from AST Environmental, of Dayton Ohio.

Crews yesterday continued to cut the tanks into sections and expect to have the demolition completed by the end of the week. The scrap metal will eventually be shipped back to the US while the site will undergo soil remediation to eliminate pollution.

The tank's combined storage capacity -- at 1.72-million gallons -- was considered to be far beyond Bermuda's civilian needs, which is estimated at 150,000 gallons of jet fuel at any given time, Don Grearson of the Bermuda Land Development Company told The Royal Gazette .

Meanwhile the development of the Marginal Wharf Industrial Area is in full swing with the demolition of condemned buildings on the 52-acre site.

About 25 companies have established short-term operations within existing warehouses said Mr. Grearson, and a long-term development strategy is being carried out by the firm of Arthur Andersen.

Plans call for diversified light industrial development, taking advantage of Marginal Wharf's waterfront access. Another 40-acres of baseland will be set aside for Business Technology Park.

Arthur Andersen's Bermuda and Toronto offices were last month contracted to oversee the rebirth of the former base. They are to identify businesses suitable for the site, recommend development priorities, and mastermind a marketing strategy for the property.

Phase one involves development of Marginal Wharf, with a report on its potential due in mid-May. Phase two will look at strategies for entire 415-acre site with Arthur Andersen submitting recommendations by July.

"There is an incredible amount of potential there,'' said Mr. Grearson, who further pointed out land has also been set aside for community and recreational use.

"This is a huge property and we know what's out there -- we just don't have all the answers at this time.'' Meanwhile Longbird House has been reduced to rubble and crews from Branches Landscaping yesterday moved in to remove four mature Spindle Palm trees -- valued at between $1,000-$3,000 -- and transplant them at the arrivals dock at the International Airport.