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By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio is seeking collaboration between Guam and the military to align their labor requirements and workforce development to ensure local residents are hired for job opportunities that support Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.
The new defense installation will be home to 5,000 Marines and their dependents, who will be relocated from Okinawa to Guam.
Tenorio just returned from his trip to Okinawa, where he met with some of the top brass in the Marine Corps to gain a better understanding of the assets and personnel who will be relocated to Guam.
"I was able to see and observe the training activities and base operations that will be conducted on Guam when Camp Blaz is fully operational," Tenorio said. "Lots of construction there too for their bases."
The first flow of the Marines is anticipated to arrive late this year.
The tour, Tenorio said, provided a platform to address Guam’s concerns and collaborate with the Department of Defense to ensure a seamless relocation process, maximizing the benefits for the civilian sector.
During the briefing, Tenorio discussed the need to improve Guam's infrastructure in preparation for the Marines' arrival.
“We’ve established crucial connections with Marine Corps leadership in Okinawa, learning that the majority of civilians they employ are Okinawan citizens," the lt. governor said. "It’s imperative that our Guam residents have similar opportunities.".
Tenorio said Guam's partnership will the Marine Corps will facilitate collaboration with the Guam Community College to train local residents for civilian roles needed to support Camp Blaz.
"I was pleased to learn that every single Marine I met from Guam is hoping to be stationed on our island. They tell me that it would be their top honor to be stationed at home," Tenorio said.
While at Camp Hansen, he shared a meal in the mess hall with several Marines from Guam and the CNMI stationed on Okinawa.
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The lt. governor met with Major General Stephen Liszewksi, commanding general of the Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Sgt Major Anthony Easton and Col. James Thornburg, among others.
His visit included a stop at a firing range to witness Marine combat training, a look at the barracks to see how Marines are housed, and the USO to explore the recreational amenities offered to Marines during off-duty hours.
Tenorio said the tour allowed him to observe the operation and use of live round firing ranges. "The ranges that I went to have some natural barriers of hills/mountains," he said.
The lt. governor said the live-fire exercises conducted by troops on rotation from the states to Okinawa were part of the training to improve the marksmanship and effectiveness of the troops.
At the Marine Corps base, Tenorio was briefed on some of the latest plans to relocate some 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
“This was undoubtedly a standout moment–connecting with Marines from Guam and the CNMI, who selflessly dedicate themselves to defending our nation abroad," Tenorio said.
"Many of these Marines aspire to return home and serve at Camp Blaz. In fact, I had the pleasure of meeting a CHamoru Marine eagerly anticipating being among the first stationed there,” he added.
Tenorio also visited Camp Courtney, where he met with Brig. Gen. Trevor Hall, deputy commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. He also toured Camp Foster, where he viewed family housing units and the Ashibina Child Development Center.
“I found this experience incredibly enriching, as it allowed me to witness firsthand some of the Marine facilities and assets in Okinawa, integral to the relocation discussions on Guam," Tenorio said.
"Seeing these facilities up close provided valuable insight for me as a leader, enhancing my understanding of what to expect on Guam soon," he added.
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