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The top U.S. Navy official in the Pacific region was on Guam the last two days, familiarizing himself with the area after assuming the post less than three months ago.

...The Asia-Pacific region is arguably the most important region in the world," Willard told about 400 Navy sailors and officers yesterday. "The sailors that serve here are critically important to the Navy. This is where the world's economy resides and this is a place in the world worth knowing about."
Among their topics of discussion was the impending military buildup, he said, and current and future infrastructure requirements. This is extremely important, Willard said, and at the end of the day should also be beneficial to island residents and arriving service members.

"It's important that infrastructure on Guam be strong and sound," Willard said. "It's important that the military here complements what the government here is doing."

The relocation of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force from Okinawa will include about 8,000 service members and 9,000 of their family members.

The military also is investing about $15 billion on Guam in various projects, including the proposed base for the Marines and their relatives; waterfront facilities to construct a nuclear-carrier-capable berth at the Navy base; and a U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Task Force, consisting of about 630 service members and 950 family members.