Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James visited Andersen AFB, Guam, Nov. 19-20, gaining insights into several ongoing Pacific missions such as the continuous bomber presence. James was briefed on the CBP, theater security package rotations to and from Andersen, the Army’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile battery site, and the Pacific Regional Training Center. James also held an “all call” for airmen where she discussed USAF priorities and engaged with members of the 36th Wing. James talked about Guam’s importance in the US rebalance to the Asia Pacific, and how Andersen serves an important role in projecting US power and influence in the region. “There is a lot of activity going on here right now, and even more is projected to occur in the next few years,” she said. “You have a lot riding on your shoulders but I am certain you are up to the task.”
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.