There’s a change in leadership for the Guam National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (D-Guam) has appointed Retired Colonel Karin Watson as the new Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Military Affairs, effective October 27. She replaces Colonel Michael Cruz (R-Guam), who served as Adjutant General since March 2023.
This appointment comes amid speculation that Dr. Cruz, former Lieutenant Governor of Guam, may run for Governor with Speaker Frank Blas Jr. (R-Guam) as his running mate for Lieutenant Governor.
Should Cruz and Blas run together, they will face Vice Speaker V. Anthony "Tony" Ada (R-Guam) and businessman EJ Calvo (R-Guam), who are running for Adelup in August 2026.
Prior to Dr. Cruz’s tenure, Major General Esther Aguigui held the position from 2019 to March 2023. She is now the Guam Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor.