by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam - Navy and Marine
Corps leaders appeared before the House Armed Services Committee testifying on
their proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013. And Guam Delegate Madeleine
Bordallo once again questioned military leaders on the status of the military
buildup for the territory. During today's hearing Commandant of Marine Corps
General James Amos testified that it is critical to have Marines stationed on Guam to maintain a forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Bordallo the general also clarified that
although no plans have been finalized, the Marines will still need a live
firing range to train on Guam regardless of
the reduction in force. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus also testified that the
Obama Administration's recently-released strategic guidance will not affect
construction projects on Guam that are not
tied to the military build-up.
Included in the defense budget is a little over $100 million
for military construction projects.
