Congresswoman Bordallo
Comments on 13th Air Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 29, 2004 – Hagatna, Guam – News reports of the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Japan over the future U.S. military footprint in the Asia-Pacific region indicate that these negotiations could have a positive impact on Guam, by increasing Guam’s prominence as a strategic force projection hub for the Air Force.

“These discussions reaffirm that the Department of Defense has taken a new look at Guam and realized that our island has much to offer. Increased utilization of Andersen, AFB is a development I have supported with the Guam Chamber of Commerce. Any decision to move military assets or personnel to Guam is dependant on successfully concluding the discussions underway with our allies and the Air Force’s assessments. I do not want to get ahead of these negations, but I think we are clearly starting to see the impact of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s visit to Guam.” said Bordallo.

The Congresswoman also welcomed the news that the USAF Thunderbirds will be arriving on Guam on September 11 for an air show on September 12, 2004.

“When people are enjoying the USAF Thunderbirds Air Show, they should take a look around and feel proud of the development that is taking place at Andersen Air Force Base. It is good for the future of our military and all this development will mean increased Section 30 funds to the Government of Guam. New construction and infrastructure will naturally follow the placing of any additional aircraft on Guam. Right now Congress is considering appropriating $19.593 million to fund a new typhoon-proof War Reserve Storage Facility at Andersen, AFB to be built in 2005,” explained Bordallo.

Placing air transportation assets in Guam would provide the Air Force with greater operational flexibility and may have an ancillary benefit to Guam’s National Guard, which is currently without its own airlift capability. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Bordallo will continue to work to advocate Guam’s support for increased military utilization and keep Guam informed as the proposals currently being discussed between the United States and Japan begin to take shape in the year ahead.

Enclosed is Congresswoman Bordallo’s earlier statement about the proposed realignment within the Air Force.

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Contact: Neil Weare in Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-1188 or Joaquin Perez in Guam at (671) 477-4272.