Press Releases
February 8, 2012
Statement on Marine Corps Realignment in the Pacific
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today met with Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Assistant Secretary of the Navy Jackalyne Pfannenstiel regarding recent discussions between the Obama Administration and the Government of Japan on the Marine Corps realignment in the Asia-Pacific region. The Department of State issued a formal statement on the renegotiations with the Japanese government concerning the DoD’s force posture and the relocation of Marines from Okinawa to Guam and other installations in the region.
“Although some details have yet to be worked out, the discussions between the Obama Administration and the Government of Japan will lead to several modifications to the Roadmap for Realignment that was agreed to in 2006,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “The Department of Defense has agreed that the number of Marines that will be relocated to Guam from Okinawa will be reduced and that the remaining servicemembers will be distributed at other locations in the Asia-Pacific region. Further, the de-linking of progress on the construction of a Futenma Replacement Facility will be helpful to get many backlogged military construction projects underway. We expect that Guam will receive 4,700 Marines, but the exact laydown and mixture of those forces has yet to be formalized. I believe that a permanent Marine presence on Guam is in the best interest of our national security and Guam’s civilian community, and I strongly disagree with those who suggest a rotational presence is a viable option.
“The modified plan for the realignment raises a number of questions regarding the Marine Corps’ posture and land needs on Guam as well as a the economic impact the reduced force will have on our community. A number of issues must still be worked out between the DoD and the Japanese government. Under Secretary Work personally pledged to work closely with me, the Governor and other local leaders in addressing issues when a final agreement is worked out with Japan. It is important that our local leaders are consulted as this process moves forward so it is a win-win for military and civilian communities on Guam.”