The U.S. Department of Defense has committed to an incremental, interagency approach in response to concerns raised by Guam Delegate James Moylan regarding the impact of the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System on the island, according to a letter dated Nov. 26 from Assistant Secretary of Defense Robert E. Thompson.
The response followed a joint letter sent by Moylan on Sept. 10 requesting the convening of an Economic Adjustment Committee, or EAC. Thompson said the department supports efforts that are “responsive and supportive” of both Guam’s needs and national defense priorities. Any movement toward an EAC will follow initial groundwork under the Defense Economic Adjustment Diversification, Conversion, and Stabilization Act of 1990 and related executive orders.
As a first step, the department plans to convene regional interagency partners to assess existing capabilities to support Guam, determine whether additional Defense Department support is required and identify any further information needed from the territory. Thompson said this process is necessary to establish the framework for potential interagency assistance and a future EAC.
The Department of Defense named Patrick O’Brien, director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and executive director of the EAC, as the point of contact for the effort. Thompson said the department looks forward to continued collaboration with Moylan and the people of Guam to balance the island’s needs with the U.S. defense mission.