Monday Sessions

摘要

Dramatic changes are coming to US force positioning in the Pacific, with Guam emerging as the centerpiece of that new strategy. Guam's location is close to eastern Asia, and the island has a deepwater port capable of handling projected fleet logistics and mission support increases as well as lots of open-ocean for training of all types. Forces from densely populated areas in Japan and Okinawa will shift to Guam, thereby easing US/Japanese relations without compromising their existing missions. In fact, plans for consolidating forces call for vacating the area south of Kadena. This massive relocation of forces to Guam will help the US address ongoing challenges in the PACOM AOR. First, moving things and people both into and within the command will be more efficient with Guam as the focal point. Second, logistics operating costs will be reduced through the utilization of more joint inventory and shipment management. Additionally, US Flag liner services already serve Guam; both Matson and Horizon Lines are partnering in the port upgrade and will have sufficient vessel capacity to support the increased requirements to and from Guam. Issues that will need to be addressed in Guam include the large-scale increase in the island's population that will result from the influx of service members and their families; a lack of sufficient labor to accomplish necessary construction, upgrading the infrastructure (power, water, waste, transportation, telecommunications, health, and human services), and dealing with environmental matters related to the growth.