Editors note: In the absence of Gov. Eddie Calvo, his weekly column today is provided by acting Gov. Ray Tenorio.

GOV. Calvo is on another productive trip to Washington D.C.; and once again, his trip has been extremely valuable for Guam. The “One Guam” approach implemented by the governor is an important tactic that is working well and is producing beneficial results for us.

The first bit of good news we received from D.C. was after discussions with Navy Under Secretary Robert Work.  He assured the governor that the Navy is committed to keeping the ship repair facility, or SRF, open and the same 350 workers employed. The Navy also plans to help the SRF grow into a practical commercial business, servicing military and non-military customers. 

Gov. Calvo discussed the military buildup and how the changes of troop numbers and rotation will affect Guam during that same meeting with Secretary Work, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment) Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment) Roger Natsuhara. They gave assurances that Section 30 reimbursements of military personnel routed through Guam would remain in our community, circulating through our economy.

Whether part of a rotational unit (Unit Deployment Program) or permanently stationed, their income taxes will be paid to the Treasury of Guam. Congresswoman Bordallo expressed the same position as the governor in her earlier talks with members of the Department of Defense and military leaders. The “One Guam” approach of the governor and Congresswoman Bordallo is netting major success. 

Back in 2006 when the military buildup was just beginning to take shape, Guam leaders of minority and majority political parties, environmental organizations, cultural organizations, and others presented the military and members of the Department of Defense with their individual visions for the buildup. Even organizations with the same vision spoke with different voices, and the island appeared divided on our hopes for the future.

Now, the military buildup has become quite a bit smaller, from more than 8,000 military personnel and their family members to approximately 4,700 rotational military personnel. Undoubtedly, the buildup has become smaller because of the desperate financial condition of the United States. But, it is still important that Guam continue to employ a united approach when communicating with members of the Department of Defense and the military. I think this ensures our concerns are clear, consistent, and easy to understand. This benefit of a united voice is illustrated by the fruits of Gov. Calvo’s trip to Washington D.C.