Marine Corps Commandant: Move to Guam Misaligns Forces with Crisis Areas

On Wednesday, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith raised concern over the continuous migration of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, claiming that the move misaligns forces with the Pacific's most essential operations regions. At a Defense Writers Group Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Smith described the plan as counterproductive.

"Frankly, Guam puts us in the wrong direction," Smith added. "It places us on the other side of the International Date Line and far from the crisis theater, from the priority theater."

Approximately 19,000 Marines are now stationed in Okinawa. According to a 2012 deal between the United States and Japan, some 9,000 Marines will be transferred to Guam and other Pacific sites, including Hawaii. Camp Blaz on Guam will house around 4,000 Marines, making it the first new base for the Marine Corps since 1952.

Smith stated that decreasing the Okinawa presence to approximately 10,000 Marines is consistent with obligations made under the US-Japan agreement. However, he viewed the move to Guam as a "challenge."

One major concern is the availability of space in Guam, which the Army intends to use for deployments. Furthermore, Apra Harbor, a critical docking point for Navy ships and aircraft carriers, is undergoing extensive infrastructure modifications. In April 2023, a $106.9 million contract was won to construct a new Marine embarkation and debarkation facility.

Despite these logistical challenges, the Marine Corps is proceeding with the relocation as part of a larger strategy to spread forces throughout the Indo-Pacific. This plan intends to increase operational flexibility and respond to regional security concerns, especially in light of escalating tensions with China.

Smith's comments emphasize the complexities of balancing strategic objectives with practical constraints. As the migration continues, the Marine Corps and its Pacific partners will confront continued challenges in ensuring personnel are well-positioned to respond to unforeseen crises.

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