Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio returned home after meeting with top brass in the Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan to gain better insights on assets and personnel who are set to relocate to Guam.

Among those who met with Tenorio was Maj. General Stephen Liszewski, Commanding General of the Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Sgt Major Anthony Easton, Col. James Thornburg, and others.

At MCIPAC, Tenorio was briefed on some of the latest plans to relocate some 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

During this briefing, he shared issues important to Guam regarding the Marines' relocation to Camp Blaz.

This included needed improvements to the island’s infrastructure and how the Marine Corps and Guam can work closely together to align their workforce needs with the island’s workforce development.

“We’ve established crucial connections with Marine Corps leadership in Okinawa, learning that the majority of civilians they employ are Okinawan citizens. It’s imperative that our Guam residents have similar opportunities,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “This partnership will facilitate collaboration with institutions like Guam Community College to train our people for civilian roles needed to support Camp Blaz.”

Tenorio also toured Camp Hansen, a Marine Corps base comparable in size to Camp Blaz, visiting a firing range, barracks, the USO, and the mess hall to share a meal with several marines.

“This was undoubtedly a standout moment–connecting with Marines from Guam and the CNMI, who selflessly dedicate themselves to defending our nation abroad. Many of these Marines aspire to return home and serve at Camp Blaz. In fact, I had the pleasure of meeting a CHamoru Marine eagerly anticipating being among the first stationed there,” he said.

Tenorio also visited Camp Courtney, where he met with Brigadier General Trevor Hall, the Deputy Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

He toured Camp Foster, where he viewed family housing units and the Ashibina Child Development Center.

“I found this experience incredibly enriching, as it allowed me to witness firsthand some of the Marine facilities and assets in Okinawa, integral to the relocation discussions on Guam. Seeing these facilities up close provided valuable insight for me as a leader, enhancing my understanding of what to expect on Guam soon,” he said.

He added this visit provided a platform to address Guam's concerns and to ensure a seamless relocation process in collaboration with the Department of Defense.