DOD deputy secretary to visit Guam

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Following the high profile visit of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, another high-ranking Obama official will be arriving to Guam in the next forty eight hours.  "It's important that we get to meet with second most powerful man in the Defense Department," said Governor Eddie Calvo.

Second only to DOD secretary Leon Panetta,  Deputy Ashton Carter will be visiting Guam as part of a 10 day trip to the Asia Pacific Region.  Governor Calvo said, "Both my office as well as my office will; be co hosting this meeting with the deputy secretary of defense especially in light of the uncertainties in regards to the marine buildup as well; as all of the other issues that are affecting this part of the world."

According to Pentagon press secretary George Little, Carter will meet with U.S. Pacific Command leadership in Hawaii, tour facilities in Guam and meet with senior leaders in Japan, Thailand and India before concluding his visit July 26 in South Korea.

Little adding "the purpose of the visit is to engage key allies and partners in detailed discussions on what the U.S. Military's approach to the Asia-Pacific will mean in practice."

According to Guam Buildup Office director Mark Calvo he looks forward to meeting with Carter to follow up on discussions the Calvo Administration had during a February trip to the nation's capitol. "We'd like to get a feel; from Secretary Carter if he has and we believe he has of the DC atmosphere what might be in the near future. Announcement as far as FY102 budget that had some dollars identified for Guam and of course the near term FY2013 budget for military construction and other projects. What are related to the buildup," he said.

"We might get some specifics on the dates of when the Department of Defense is going to brief to congress on the master plan of the buildup the cost of the buildup which is somewhat known to us."

We should note, already in the region are commander of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Locklear and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.  Admiral Locklear is in the Philippines where he is meeting with President Benigno Aquino III, to discuss the strength of the U.S.-Philippine mutual defense treaty and to explore how the U.S. can support efforts to boost the Philippine's military capacity.  Secretary Mabus, on the other hand, is in Japan where he spoke to sailors and marines from units involved in Operation Tomodachi during an all-hands call at commander, fleet activities Yokosuka.

KUAM has confirmed that Carter is scheduled to meet with island leaders Thursday evening.