<home> -- <press releases> -- <March 11, 2003>

Security Forces added to AAFB, Guam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 11, 2003 – Washington, D.C. - In a letter to Congresswoman Bordallo, General William J. Begert, Commander, Pacific Air Force, assured the Congresswoman of his support for efforts to establish a Security Force unit as an addition to the 254th Air Base Group at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Efforts to establish the Security Force at Andersen was initiated by the Air Force, under the command of General Theodore Lay and the Guam Air National Guard under the command of Adjutant General Benny Paulino. Recently, members of the Guam Air Guard met with National Guard Bureau officials to revitalize these efforts.

“A team of Guam Air Guards men, which included Vice Speaker Frank B. Aguon and Senator John Quinata, were apparently successful in their efforts as General Begert assured me that he would support the establishment of the additional Security Forces. General Begert’s support of these efforts further emphasizes his strong stand and support of increased activities at Andersen. I will work closely with the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces to see these efforts come to fruition.” stated Congresswoman Bordallo.

“The establishment of the additional Security Forces will result in additional full time positions at Andersen Air Force Base which will be augmented by the Guam Air National Guard to ensure adequate security at Andersen. With the arrival of the B52s and B1B bombers, the additional security will be welcomed.” Bordallo added.

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.