Congresswoman Bordallo Accompanies
Secretary Rumsfeld to Guam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 12, 2003 – Washington, D.C. –Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld left Washington, D.C., this morning, accompanied by Congresswoman Bordallo, on a tour of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region.

Last week, Congresswoman Bordallo joined Secretary Rumsfeld at the Pentagon to discuss her recent visit to Iraq. Bordallo took the opportunity to talk with Secretary Rumsfeld about his upcoming visit to Guam and our island’s military strategic importance in the region.

“I emphasized Guam’s strategic role in projecting U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region. I believe that an expanded military presence in Guam will help stabilize what is becoming an increasingly unstable part of the world,” Bordallo said.

Bordallo was invited by Secretary Rumsfeld to join him on his way to Guam, the first leg of his visit, which will also include Korea and Japan. Bordallo is making the trip with several other high level officials, including Peter W. Rodman, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Howard Baker, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Lt. General Thomas C. Waskow, Commander, U.S. Forces in Japan. Once Secretary Rumsfeld arrives in Guam, Congresswoman Bordallo will be joined by other public and private sector leaders to make the case for military expansion in Guam.

“Accompanying this delegation is a tremendous opportunity to promote an expanded military presence for Guam. I want Secretary Rumsfeld to know that the people of Guam stand ready to do our part to contribute to national defense. I look forward to not only being able to talk with Secretary Rumsfeld about the future growth of the military in Guam, but to show what Guam has to offer first hand. Secretary Rumsfeld’s visit reinforces the message to the region that Guam is an important strategic military asset,” commented Bordallo.

“This visit builds on the work I have done as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the recent visit by the Chamber of Commerce to highlight the importance of Guam. I look forward to showing Secretary Rumsfeld’s the investment the military is making in Guam, such as the new $36 million bomber hanger and the $26 million medical facility to be built at Andersen Air Force Base. When he visits COMNAVMAR he will be able to see the $1.7 million Victor Wharf Fender System authorized this year to assist with the docking of submarines. Secretary Rumsfeld’s visit is an excellent opportunity to pitch Guam as the best choice for home porting a Pacific-based carrier and for permanently basing an air wing to fully utilize Andersen Air Force Base’s capabilities,” said Bordallo.

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