by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Although Guam's isn't on his itinerary, it doesn't exactly mean we're off his radar. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta while on his Asian tour is making it increasingly clear that the U.S. is committed to the Guam International Agreement.

Panetta may be bypassing Guam in his first official trip to Asia, but that doesn't mean Guam isn't important. Senator Judi Gutheryz said, "I am very pleased for him to reaffirm America's commitment to Asia and the Pacific and also very pleased that he will be meeting with prime minister of Japan on the relocation of the Futenma air base and plans associated with the transfer of Marines to Guam."

Chairperson of the Legislature's Guam Military Buildup Committee, Senator Guthertz responds to the defense secretary's comments in Tokyo in which he ruled out downsizing America's presence in Asia as part of defense spending cuts being considered in Congress, "We are not anticipating any cutback in this region if anything we are going to strengthen our presence in the Pacific." Panetta said after touching down at Yokota Air Base.

What has always been the key, however, for the Marines relocation from Okinawa to Guam and cited by the Government Accountability Office in 2007 is resolving the question of where to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility. During a media conference in Japan, Panetta said it was time for resolution, saying, "I think its very important that Japan proceed with obviously moving forward with Futenma getting the appropriate permits required to move forward that expansion that air base that development for the airbase to take place and we've gone on a long period of time its important now that we move forward."

With emerging threats from China and North Korea and concerns from Asian allies that the U.S. may not fulfill its commitments to the region. Panetta said the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East will enable the United States to shift more attention to the Asia-Pacific region. "We have the opportunity to strengthen our presence in the pacific and we will," he said.

It's news island leaders are happy to hear. Minority Leader Senator Frank Blas Jr. said, "Mr. Panetta continues to recognize that Guam is an integral part in this process."

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo says Panetta's statements in Japan reaffirms his recent testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on October 13 when he ruled out a reduction in U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region.