A third adjutant general has now resigned under the Leon Guerrero Administration, with Brigadier General Michael Cruz stepping down effective last Friday. Local leaders are responding to the move and the general’s farewell message to the Guam National Guard. 

Cruz submitted his resignation effective immediately, marking the third unexpected adjutant general departure under Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s administration. In his farewell to the Guard, Cruz stated, “Serving alongside you—whether in the unforgiving sands of the Middle East, in our communities during COVID-19, through typhoons, humanitarian missions, or during countless trainings and joint exercises—has been the greatest honor of my military career.”

He urged the Guard to continue serving with honor and said he will always carry pride in having worn the uniform with them.

However, in a memorandum to the governor, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and their chief of staff dated November 13, 2025, Cruz documented serious concerns about how the transition was being handled.  He wrote, “In March 2025, I submitted a formal letter of intent to retire, effective September 30, 2026. You retained full authority to select a successor at any time. Thus, I emphasize again: my concern is not the decision to appoint a successor. It is the procedural irregularities in how the transition has been executed.”

Cruz warned that the process, which omitted senior Guard leadership from notification, created ambiguity in command authority, risked erosion of federal trust, and could affect soldier morale and joint operations in the Indo-Pacific Region. 

He emphasized that he had not resigned, been relieved, or formally removed, meaning no lawful vacancy existed for a successor to take command. In light of this, he issued his abrupt resignation the next day, November 14, 2025.

The Governor’s Office issued a statement of their own, thanking Cruz for his years of service – stressing that the transition would follow all requirements of Guam law and department of military affairs procedures. The governor said, “Our priority now is to support a smooth transition for the Guard, provide stability for our soldiers, airmen, and civilian personnel, and ensure continuity of mission. We remain confident in the strength and professionalism of the Guam National Guard and the men and women who serve our island with honor.”

And today, Colonel Karin Watson was sworn in as acting adjutant general by Governor Leon Guerrero at Adelup.  Watson said, “It’s a special honor for me to return home to Guam and continue my service to our beautiful island and her people. The Guam National Guard has a reputation for being the best, and I look forward to working with these incredible citizen soldiers, airmen, and families.”

Legislative leaders are also responding. 

Senator Shawn Gumataotao, chair of the Legislative Committee on the Guam National Guard, called Cruz's resignation “a great surprise” and described the cancellation of the ceremonial change-of-command as “disappointing,” noting he now awaits the governor’s formal nomination so the confirmation process for the next TAG can officially begin.