During this CMCC, U.S. military officials from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard engaged in productive discussions with various Government of Guam agency representatives from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Department of Civil Defense and Homeland Security, the Guam Power Authority, the Guam Department of Labor and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority.
The meeting underscored the value of collaboration and highlighted a shared commitment to balancing military growth with the needs and interests of the island community.
Leon Guerrero reaffirmed the importance of consistent coordination as Defense of Guam projects progress.
“As we build Guam’s readiness and resilience, today’s dialogue underscores our shared responsibility to protect our island and support our people,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Effective coordination ensures that decisions reflect our community’s needs as well as national security priorities. I appreciate the ongoing commitment from our federal and military partners to communicate openly, address challenges early, and work with respect for the people of Guam as we advance critical projects.”
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio highlighted the importance of early alignment on infrastructure and workforce planning.
“Guam’s security and prosperity rely on our ability to coordinate across civilian and military agencies,” Tenorio said. “By improving communication and addressing infrastructure and workforce challenges early, we strengthen our preparedness and build a more resilient island for all who call Guam home.”
Mietus presented an overarching partnership alignment plan intended to streamline communications and collaboration across departments, and ensure all stakeholders are moving toward common objectives. By bringing together the island’s diverse expertise and perspectives, the partnership aims to identify any potential issues early, and align priorities effectively. He said this focused approach not only accelerates decision-making but also enhances overall coherence driving toward more efficient outcomes.
“As Guam continues to serve a critical strategic role, it is important to emphasize the significance of balancing military development to support operational readiness while preserving the island’s unique environment and quality of life for residents,” Mietus said. “This collaborative approach seeks to identify innovative solutions that align mission requirements with sustainable development, ensuring that military growth proceeds responsibly and harmoniously alongside the needs of the local population.”
Additionally, the council discussed military mission growth, solutions to addressing H-2B labor demands for both military and private sector construction and other supporting activities, and Defense of Guam initiatives.
The Defense of Guam working group, a team that comprises members of the Guam Department of Civil Defense and Homeland Security and Joint Task Force-Micronesia, provided updates and discussed their way ahead with a series of tabletop exercises designed to address cyber security, readiness, and improve communications across civilian and military communities.
“Defense of the island and region cannot be overstated in today’s era of geopolitical tensions when national security and deterrence are of great significance,” said Commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky. “As challenges and threats become increasingly complex and interconnected, it is essential for us, as one unified community, to stay aligned in our goals and collaborate effectively. Only through our shared commitment to mutual security can we ensure the protection and resilience of this region, safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of all who call Guam, the Northern Marianas, and all of Micronesia home.”
The CMCC was established in 2010 to foster collaboration among the Department of War, local government, and federal agencies to share information, discuss, and provide recommendations for military activities on Guam. The next CMCC meeting is scheduled for February.