Remember me. Lynn III today reiterated his commitment to respect Guam's culture and to preserve its resources throughout an upcoming U. Guam better in the endeavor.
I think we can succeed," Lynn told government and community leaders during a dinner at the governor's complex here. Lynn was on the second day of his first visit to Guam. Lynn traveled to Guam to get a firsthand look at the island's facilities and to speak with government leaders and residents about an increased military presence there.
About 8, Marines and more than 9, family members are slated to move from Okinawa to this U. The same agreement also calls for a realignment of Marines to a new location on Okinawa. The deputy secretary emphasized the need to proceed in a "collaborative way. Rather than move all them in at one time, Lynn said, the Defense Department will ensure the troop buildup is paced to match the island's ability to accept them.
It is a challenge. Lynn acknowledged the concerns some people on Guam have raised about the troop realignment, particularly in regard to the selection of Pagat for a small-arms firing range. The location has historical and cultural significance for Guam. A small-arms training range is vital to the Marine presence here, Lynn said, and the final environmental impact statement, released last week, identified Pagat as the preferred location for a Marine training range. The statement assessed the possible environmental consequences of an increased military presence on Guam, as well as measures that will help the military and people of Guam create a sustainable future.
Lynn pledged to continue to work with Guam's people and government to take on issues such as the one centering on Pagat.
