by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - July 1^st will be the last day on the job for Jackalyne Pfannenstiel. She is the assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment. She announced her resignation Saturday (Guam time) for health reasons. Pfannenstiel has been overseeing the marines relocation from Okinawa to Guam. She has visited Guam several times over the last several years during the EIS, FEIS and Record of Decision process for the military buildup.

From the nation's capitol Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo issued the following comment on Pfannenstiel's resignation: "I wish Assistant Secretary Jackie Pfannenstiel the best for a full recovery. She has been a true champion for Guam, and I appreciate her efforts during the previous EIS process to ensure that local concerns were addressed," said Congresswoman Bordallo. "I also appreciate Jackie's leadership on efforts to meet certain renewable energy goals for the U.S. Navy. Her efforts will undoubtedly make the Navy more secure from oil price fluctuations. I join all of Guam's leaders in wishing Jackie and her family the best during her recovery. Her leadership will be missed."

Here at home local leaders are also reacting to Pfannenstiel's resignation. Committee Chair on the Guam Buildup, Senator Judi Guthertz commented "This woman truly has the patience of Job." She added "She faithfully kept regular, direct and informative correspondence with my office as we sought to make sense of the buildup plans on behalf of our constituents. I would give her the utmost credit as someone who truly listened to the thousands of our Guam citizens who expressed optimism and concern regarding the buildup."

Senator Guthertz predicted that the people of Guam are going to remember Secretary Pfannenstiel as, "truly an architect of a military buildup that is a win-win for both the military and everyone who makes their home in Guam."

Principal deputy Roger Natshuhara will serve as acting assistant secretary until a permanent replacement is confirmed.