Navy's Bushong: "Get buildup back on track"

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Saying Guam has a rare chance for try again at the military buildup, Rear Admiral Paul Bushong urged Guam's leadership to step up and lead. Bushong said he has enjoyed his two tours in Guam and shared some of his perspectives with guests at a change of command ceremony today.

Bushong says local officials got what they asked for – a smaller and slower buildup and staying within the military's existing footprint. As a result, he says the local economy, won't benefit much.

Bushong says the Marines are in need of a world-class training range and having that in the Pacific will only grow in line with the United States' emerging defense strategy. He said the marines could probably be accommodated at Naval Magazine by "bulldozing mountains along with real historical and archeological sites or...jamming them into disparate sites on the west side of the island with danger zones that impede water sports and fishing, but that is not ideal for the Marines or Guam."

Bushong went on to say that the government owns 48% of the land on the island that has low value with no utilities and no services, which he believes makes it an ideal location for a range.

He went on to state that the Navy owns 27% of the land that has high value and is developed. Bushong stressed that the Navy has committed to owning less land when the buildup is completed.

"Before we spend another three years in studying the options for Marine Corps siting, it is time for Guam leadership to step up and lead. Time to tee up your mulligan and get this buildup back on track to the benefit of the island and the people of Guam."

Rear Admiral Tilghman Payne now serves as commander of Joint Region Marianas. Rear Admiral Bushong has been promoted to vice admiral and will serve as U.S. Security Coordinator for the Israel-Palestinian Authority.