Ground broken for first buildup project

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The first of hundreds of military buildup-related projects expected to begin in the coming years kicked-off this morning. Naval Base Guam broke ground on an $86 million wharf improvement project for its Uniform and Tango Wharfs. Joint Guam Program Office Director of Operations Lieutenant Colonel Steve Maravillas says the upgrades include strengthening the facilities so that it can withstand seismic events and typhoons.

"The work that will be performed will provide for wharf improvements to allow core lien berthing for extended transient ships primarily for the amphibious readiness group and its combatant's escort," he said. JGPO explained that the project plays a huge role on ensuring and enhancing the military's response to crisis, humanitarian actions or natural disasters. Officials say this is the first of about a handful of other buildup-related projects expected to begin this year.

Guam MACC Builders Project Manager Chuck Lowther said, "We have a lot of challenges on this project if they were no other constraints it would  be difficult enough building in the water, building with the environmental constraints, safety, but we also have five projects are going to overlap with this some that haven't been awarded, some significant projects."

The wharf improvements are slated to be complete by August 2013.