by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is on his third trip to the region spending time in Japan, China and New Zealand. During a press briefing en route to Tokyo, Panetta spoke with media about his trip reiterating that the Asia-Pacific Region is becoming more important in the U.S. economic and diplomatic and security interests.

Panetta saying the rebalance is about maintaining and strengthening presence. When asked about the realignment roadmap that he'll be discussing with Japanese counterparts, the defense secretary saying the agreement is being put into effect adding "We're beginning the process of moving some of the Marines to Guam and what we hope to do is work with the Japanese to develop the replacement facility there."