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DOD SENIOR LEADERSHIP COMMITS TO ADDRESSING BUILDUP IN ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT COMMITTEE |
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Deputy Secretary of Defense shares plans with Governor Camacho to implement GAO-recommended meeting with a focus on the Guam Buildup
May 21, 2009
(Washington D.C.) Governor Camacho on Tuesday (Guam time) was advised in a meeting with Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) William J. Lynn, that the Secretary of Defense will soon convene the Economic Adjustment Committee (EAC). This committee is expected to address the funding requirements of the Guam Buildup.
The United States Government Accountability Office recommended that DOD provide high-level leadership to coordinate and address Guam’s needs in light of the military’s realignment.
During their meeting, Deputy Secretary Lynn disclosed that Pentagon planners and experts have increased their attention to the military realignment to Guam. They further expect to discuss Guam’s needs in an EAC meeting to be announced by DOD in the coming weeks.
“I am very pleased with the Pentagon’s progress in which discussions seem to be moving from policy creation to program implementation,” said Governor Camacho. “Deputy Secretary Lynn has committed the resources of the Deputy Secretaries from all services and the Economic Adjustment Committee, to ensure that the Guam Buildup is on track,” said Governor Camacho.
Deputy Secretary Lynn also committed to working with Governor Camacho to get a “top-down” commitment from the Obama Administration to increase the amount of assistance to Guam. The assistance would be used to fund civilian projects to support the military mission in the Western Pacific.
“It is clear that the Obama Administration has made the Guam Buildup a top priority,” said Governor Camacho. “I will continue to work with DOD to ensure that mutually beneficial projects are completed in time for the anticipated growth of our island population.”
Governor Camacho also met with recently confirmed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Wallace “Chip” Gregson. Gregson, a former Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific, reaffirmed his commitment to advise Governor Camacho of any progress related to the implementation of the Guam International Agreement between the governments of the United States and Japan. Additionally, Governor Camacho briefed with Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations, Wayne Arny and Acting Secretary of the United States Navy, BJ Penn, on the results from the recently completed Guam Industry Forum III in Guam.
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