Guam – Construction on the first two military buildup projects related to the Marine Corps relocation to Guam has been completed and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Naval Base Guam two weeks ago to celebrate. Officials say these projects mark the beginning of more buildup related projects to come. These projects are the U.S. Marine Corps funded Apra Harbor wharf improvement and the government of Japan funded U.S. Marine Corps welcome center. The two projects total $80 million dollars worth of military construction. “It’s the first of the buildup related projects for the marine corps the marines now have a superb wharf facility and we have the experience of working with a great Navy team on the project,” said John Sage of the Guam MACC Builders Joint Venture. Partnering on this project was facilitated by Neal Flesner of Ventura Consulting Group.
The Government of Japan is an instrumental partner in the marine relocation from Okinawa to Guam and in fact Japan funded the construction of the U.S. Marine Corps welcome center. Mr. Sadaaki Tabei is the Deputy Director for realignment initiatives from the Japan Ministry of Defense. “The project shows people in Japan and the United States that the relocation project is steadily progressing and with close mutual cooperation. This is one symbolic representation of bilateral cooperation under the Japan – U.S. alliance,” said Tabei.