US Navy awards contract for future Marine base in Guam
HAGATNA, Guam (AP)—The U.S. Navy awarded a contract Friday for utility construction and site improvements for a future Marine Corps base on Guam.
The announcement came amid heightened tensions between North Korea and the U.S. just days after the North considered a preemptive missile strike on the strategically important U.S. territory of Guam.
“This effort is a big step in strengthening Guam, as part of the Marianas strategic hub, ensuring the Marine Corps’ ability to sustain a forward presence within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” Lt. Gen. David Berger, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, said in a statement. “Historically, the Marine Corps has played an essential role in our nation’s ability to deter adversaries and defend, as well as strengthen the capabilities of our partners and allies within the region. We are as committed as ever in maintaining that role and responsibility.”
The Navy said the $164.9 million Japanese-funded contract was awarded in support of an international agreement between the U.S. and Japan. The relocation of Marines to the island has been in the works for over a decade.
The money will be used for utilities and site improvements at Finegayan. The contract includes construction of utilities, roads and infrastructure as well as removal of unexploded ordnance and munitions.
“[Friday’s] contract award is a clear demonstration of the Marine Corps’ commitment to Guam and the continued progress we are making to move forward with the realignment,” said Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU). …“This is a significant step forward for the buildup as it is the first award since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Department of Navy, issued the biological opinion. I am committed to ensuring that Guam’s workforce issues are resolved to support all civilian and military construction needs in Guam.
“I will continue to push for my provision in the [National Defense Authorization Act] to give [United States Citizenship and Immigration Services] flexibility in approving H-2B visas for workers in our military construction and health care industries, as well as efforts to provide a broader solution for Guam and the region. I look forward to the awardee partnering with local businesses and providing opportunities for our people as the contract is carried out.” (With Saipan Tribune)
So whjat is the name of company that was awarded this contract?
Interesting, here is a company that comes from the US to Guam for a $164.89 mill project and the Chinese state they cannot get a US company to build their multi Billion dollar project.
Also the many other Chinese companies that are also building projects on Saipan that are in the $millions? Granted the initial cost may sound high but the projects would be “bonded” and completed on time with much fewer workers and next to no accidents along with the hiring of as many local workers as would be available which would actually result in close to the same costs with less construction time.
In he past there were many US companies on Guam that were based in the US and Hawaii. Jones used one of them (based out of Hawaii) in his first “low income” apartment complex.
This excuse of no US workers is only an excuse to keep the cheap labor in the CNMI.
https://www.graniteconstruc…
https://www.govconwire.com/…
This is a little off subject but there has been another collision involving a merchant ship and a US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer John S McCain near Singapore this time. Ten sailors missing.
It does not show the massive hole in the side of the Navy vessel in this link but on another News it showed a very big hole midships from the “bulbous” bow protrusion of the commercial vessel that was from above the waterline to below.
It would seem that the US Navy is not up to par these days unfortunately.
http://www.foxnews.com/worl…
With all the aging equipment within the DOD, accidents will eventually happen. I remember watching a documentary relating to the Vietnam war and I saw a CH 53A on its side all bang up with bullet holes on its side. It was a root awakening that the very aircraft (same aircraft serial numbers) was in front of me supervising the Phase Inspection and as I dug through the A/C maintenance manual, I realized that beer cans were at times were used to patch up the fuselage as an emergency remedies at some point time (Vietnam Era).
It is sad to say that some of our military hardware are older than some of us and many of our service members will continue to perish. And it is not only the Navy, but the rest of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What? An American company is willing to come out here with eligible workers and construct improvements at a reasonable price? Don’t tell our imperial possessors.
Companies will do anything to work for uncle Sam and our dearest uncle always pay on time if not ahead of time. But our “Imperial possesors” is back by a soon to be bankrupt government and any U.S companies who dares to work for free will end up six feet under.
Trump recently urged allies to bear a bit more of the cost of their defense. As such, Japan must step up to the plate do likewise. Why transfer the target strictly to Guahan?