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Members of Congress visit Guam, Learn of Guam's Strategic Importance

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090812-28
Release Date: 8/12/2009 8:37:00 PM

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- A congressional delegation visited Guam Aug. 11 to discuss the military's role on the island and the plans for an increased presence in the Pacific region.

Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Nick Rahall, D-W. Va., led the delegation, which also included Congressman Henry Brown, R-S.C.; Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, D-American Samoa; Congressman Gregorio Sablan, I-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Congresswoman Donna Christensen, D-Virgin Islands; and Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam.

The Congressional delegation toured military facilities in Guam. Rear Adm. Douglass Biesel, commander of Joint Region Marianas, shared breakfast with the delegates aboard USS Frank Cable (AS 40), where he emphasized the Navy's ability to deter adversaries by maintaining a strong forward presence. He added that it also assures allies of the nation's ability to support them.

"Our main job here is to promote stability, promote economic prosperity, freedom of the seas, freedom of navigation, and freedom of commerce where the world can really prosper," Biesel said.

Biesel said military assets need to be on Guam because it avoids delays in response time that can occur if a submarine, for example, is tasked from ports in San Diego or Bremerton, Wash. He also emphasized the improved capabilities of submarines such as USS Michigan (SSGN 727), which can launch more than 150 precision-guided cruise missiles and deploy Navy Sea Air and Land (SEAL) teams or other special operations forces.

"These ships and these aircraft from Guam are at the front line of preserving freedom," Biesel said.

To maintain that operational readiness, USS Frank Cable provides a mobile platform for a wide range of maintenance services, Cmdr. Bruce Deshotel, executive officer of USS Frank Cable, said during the delegates' visit. It was a good opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the submarine tender.

"We have a 600-strong repair department that comes en masse on the ship, fixing anything from metal repair, pump replacement, also to replenish the ship with supplies, ice cream, cereal fresh fruit and vegetables," Deshotel said.

After the briefing and reception, Rahall praised the military and local residents of Guam for understanding the price of freedom.

"We know how strategic a position Guam is, and I just salute those in the military here that are on the front lines of ensuring the strength and security of our United States of America," Rahall said.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/.