JRM commander reflects on his time in Guam and the region in this year in review; looks ahead to military growth and prosperity in the Pacific

Buenas yan hafa adai,

As 2023 comes to a close, and we look toward the New Year, I would like to take a moment to thank our island community for your warm hospitality, support and patriotism.

Since taking command of Joint Region Marianas in June, my wife, Judy, and I have had the pleasure to travel throughout the Mariana Islands and Micronesia. I am continually impressed and inspired by the rich culture and natural beauty that is prevalent throughout the region.

I arrived on island in the immediate aftermath of Super Typhoon Mawar, the most devastating typhoon the island has seen in decades. The typhoon’s destruction tested the resiliency of our community. Despite hardships, I found that Typhoon Mawar highlighted the most beautiful qualities of our island community. We came together to rebuild better than before. There were heroic examples of selflessness everywhere, truly capturing the island spirit of inafa’ maolek. The typhoon served as a clear reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

These qualities were further demonstrated during the 79th anniversary of Guam’s Liberation Day. It demonstrated the strength of the island community and the ability of the people to remain steadfast despite challenging circumstances. One of the highlights of the celebration was the first-hand account of survival and liberation from Mrs. Carmen Kasperbauer. Her words of hope and the strength that she and others demonstrated underscore the resiliency of the people of Guam.

While we remember and honor the sacrifices of the past, we must look ahead as well. Global geopolitical tensions and current conflicts are reminders that we must remain vigilant and prepared for potential threats. It is my mission and responsibility to defend everyone that calls this island community home.

Recognizing the growing proliferation of sophisticated long-range weapons, USINDOPACOM is advancing a plan to defend Guam with a state-of-the-art enhanced integrated air and missile defense system, the Guam Defense System, or GDS. This land-based 360-degree defense system fuses the most modern air-missile defense programs to deliver a robust capability.

In August, we coordinated with the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army to hold public scoping meetings to inform the community and encourage public involvement during the development of the GDS. Defense is not just about deterring our adversaries, but having the concrete capability to neutralize hostile forces that may threaten our people. The 360-degree missile defense system for Guam affirms that the U.S. military remains committed to our security and the promise of transparent communication with our government partners and communities.

I am very appreciative of the open and honest communication and teamwork shared this year with the governments of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Civilian-Military Coordination Council with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and her staff began as a means to communicate updates and concerns with regard to the buildup of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. It has proven so valuable that we have expanded the scope and frequency of these meetings to address military impacts throughout the island. Similarly, the Stakeholder Meetings held in the CNMI are equally important to posture, presence, and preparedness. It is through these meaningful discussions that we have increased our military presence with more ship visits and exercises on Rota, Saipan, and Tinian. I am grateful for the friendship and professionalism of Gov. Arnold Palacios and the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs.

I look forward to continued opportunities to build and strengthen the relationships with the governments of Guam and the CNMI, and JRM will continue to serve as a conduit to communicate with the highest echelons of the Department of Defense. With our goals aligned, we can advance our joint efforts for the mutual benefit of our community in Guam. Homeland defense remains your military’s top priority.

Regional security requires a whole-of-government approach with our allies and partners throughout Oceania. Exercises, operations and defense sites in the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau are integral components to our defense in depth and critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As the senior military official for the Indo-Pacific Command in the region, I was invited to speak at the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures’ 40th General Assembly in October. During the general assembly, I addressed our primary security challenges within the region, to include the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russia, violent extremist organizations, as well as environmental and global health.

I also attended Joint Committee Meetings in Palau and Federated States of Micronesia where I had the honor to meet with President Surangel Whipps Jr., Vice President Aren Palik and other distinguished leaders. During the meetings, I emphasized the importance of our partnership and continued open and honest communication, and reiterated the importance of these beautiful countries as part of the Pacific Homeland.

In my 35-year naval career, nothing has inspired my holiday spirit quite like the opportunity to participate in Operation Christmas Drop. OCD is not just a humanitarian mission, but it also serves as a training opportunity for our airmen to practice real-world contingency operations. The mission enables the U.S. military to strengthen relationships with our foreign military allies. OCD was conducted 71 times since its first drop in 1952, and today OCD continues to deliver gifts and necessities to 57 islands throughout the Pacific.

It was a privilege and honor for me to end the year in Palau, representing the U.S. Navy and the Pacific Fleet at the opening ceremony for Pacific Partnership. Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission conducted in the Blue Continent. The trust built through collaborative exercises like Pacific Partnership strengthen our shared capacity and deepen our special strategic partnership.

There is something uniquely special about overseas duty locations. For the military members stationed in Guam we get to experience new people, new food, new hobbies, and a new culture that is both distinctly Chamorro and distinctly American. While the new adventure is exciting, the experience can be challenging at times.

I want to thank all of the organizations, both civilian and military, that support our service members and enhance their time in Guam. The United Service Organizations, Navy League, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Chamber of Commerce’s Armed Services Committee and countless other organizations commit time and resources to provide benefits, services, and foster a sense of connection for our service members and their families. Thank you for all that you do.

Thank you to our partners throughout the government of Guam: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Delegate Moylan, the 36th Guam Legislature, and the Council of Mayors. Your friendship, professionalism, teamwork and good faith collaboration enable our mission. I firmly believe that we are One Guam and our missions are inextricably linked. Thank for your service to the people of Guam and thank you for your support.

As we bid farewell to 2023, I am grateful for the experiences, the challenges, the great achievements and the lessons we learned. I look forward to the New Year; I embrace the promise of progress, of prosperity, and the opportunities for growth. May the coming months be full of new achievements, meaningful connections, and the fulfillment of aspirations as we continue to defend the homeland and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. Here’s to 2024!

Biba Guam! Biba Micronesia!

“May the coming months be full of new achievements, meaningful connections, and the fulfillment of aspirations as we continue to defend the homeland and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman is commander of Joint Region Marianas and the senior military official for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Guam.