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SECNAV Visits Joint Region Marianas

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090827-03
Release Date: 8/27/2009 8:28:00 AM

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) visited Guam Aug. 23-24 for the first time since becoming the nation's 75th SECNAV.

While in Guam, Ray Mabus, SECNAV, discussed the island's expanding role as a strategically located platform from which Navy and Marine forces can be launched to deal with threats, assist in natural disasters and perform other missions.

Mabus said the growing military presence on the island will help the nation meet the needs of the new century.

"I think the challenges that we face as a Navy and Marine Corps today are to make sure we have the ability to meet the unexpected, that we are able to change focus in mid-mission, that we're able to be the away team - always the forward deployed forces of the United States," said Mabus. "We also have to make sure that whatever comes in our direction - whether it's high-end warfare, humanitarian aid or disaster relief - that we can meet that mission, that we have the equipment, and more importantly, we have trained and experienced Sailors and Marines to conduct them."

During his visit, SECNAV also met with local government and military leaders to learn about the issues the island faces as the partnership with the U.S. military moves into a new era.

In line with sustaining a well-trained and well-equipped force, Mabus noted his top priorities are supporting the nation's warriors and their families.

"My first obligation is to take care of our Sailors and our Marines who do such a good job of taking care of us," said Mabus.

SECNAV noted that Sailors and other service members in Guam are provided with services that support a good quality of life. He also said service members on the island have "established good ties with the community."

"I think that they're doing a terrific job here," said Mabus.

Mabus said that these close ties will help ensure the transfer of Marines and their families will benefit both military and civilian island residents, while helping to strengthen the nation's defenses.

"We're not just talking about a military base behind a fence line, we're talking about bringing in families, and we're talking about integrating them into the community," said Mabus.

Currently, many military service members participate in community outreach projects, from mentoring students at local schools to volunteering at Special Olympics events. With the influx of Marines in Guam, Mabus said the number of volunteers, as well as potential employees, will grow.

To better support the nation's warfighters, their families and their missions, Mabus calls for increased efficiencies, which means spending tax dollars wisely and streamlining processes. SECNAV noted that Guam already models this efficiency with the creation of Joint Region Marianas.

"I think that Joint Region Marianas here shows how we can put efficiencies to work so there's not the duplication of effort, so that there's one point of contact for people to deal with the American military," said Mabus. "In terms of cost cutting from the Navy standpoint, the thing I'm focused on is making sure that we can buy the kinds of ships that we need, the number of ships that we need at the price that we can afford - that we don't unilaterally disarm ourselves by buying ever fewer and ever more expensive and ever later ships."

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