Governor and Military Leaders Unite for Civil-Military Coordination Council Meeting

High-ranking officials from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Guam Army National Guard recently convened on the island to collaborate on defense priorities. Representatives from critical Guam government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Civil Defense and Homeland Security, Power Authority, and International Airport Authority, were also present.

“The CMCC offers us a vital platform to align our efforts on the island’s key priorities,” stated a military spokesperson, Huffman. He highlighted the importance of this gathering as a testament to the robust partnerships and dedicated collaboration efforts among diverse teams.

The gathering provided briefs and updates on essential subjects demanding a unified strategy. Topics ranged from fortifying civilian infrastructure in defense pursuits to enhancing utilities’ resilience, particularly concerning Guam’s power grid. Another focal point was the proposed Guam Defense System by the Missile Defense Agency.

Leon Guerrero emphasized the CMCC’s role in ensuring Guam’s needs are prioritized amid military expansions. “Our focus was on strengthening power infrastructure and the One Guam Power Infrastructure Resiliency & Reliability Projects,” Guerrero commented. He underscored the ongoing nature of military buildup discussions, requiring meticulous planning and expert involvement to align with Guam’s long-term interests and bolstering national security.

Established in 2010, the CMCC aims to facilitate cooperation between the Department of Defense, local government, and federal entities, addressing construction activities tied to the U.S. Marine Corps’ relocation to Guam. These sessions have broadened over time to cover all military interests on the island. The council is set to meet again in June.