and playing on the Base as the number of Americans dwindles.

"I think that's our future,'' Capt. Tim Bryan told The Royal Gazette yesterday. "More and more, whatever relationship we have here on the Base, it's going to involve greater participation by Bermudians performing things aboard the Base that have traditionally been performed only by US Navy people.'' Capt. Bryan said it made sense to "move in that direction sooner, rather than later''.

Increased social ties appeared to be the best way to start, and the Base planned to involve more Bermudians in sports and entertainment activities, he said.

But later, as the number of Americans dropped, "Bermudians will benefit by more jobs,'' he said.

Just before he left the Base in early August, outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Jim Arnold predicted the number of military personnel would drop to about 325 in 15 months, from about 650 today.

Further cuts were possible.

Bermudians could do more of the work involved in running the Civil Air Terminal as the American presence diminished, Capt. Arnold said.

Capt. Bryan noted there was already contact between the Base and the rest of the Island. "The McDonald's experience has opened the gates,'' he said in reference to civilian visits to the fast food restaurant on Wednesdays and Sundays.

And there was contact through sports, like last weekend's Snickers Sprint Triathlon at the Base.

But ties could be increased, and the Base's diminishing military role made visits by foreign civilians more appropriate than they would be otherwise.