Massive US Missile System Could Be Bad News for Islanders [Guam]

[240B]

Massive US Missile System Could Be Bad News for Islanders

Newsweek
By Theo Burman
Nov 01, 2024

A $1.7 billion missile defense program set to be constructed in Guam could have serious effects on the island's infrastructure and environment, a new report said.

In the report, the Missile Defense Agency indicated that there would be "long-term and significant impacts" on the island territory, which is positioned in the Pacific Ocean near the Philippine Sea, if the Department of Defense continues with construction.

The EIAMD defense system's construction would require Guam, which has a population of 170,000, to support more than 2,000 new people for the 10-year building period, with contractors, Department of Defense staff and their family members all requiring permanent accommodation.

The agency plans to construct 16 sites around the entire island over a decade, as tensions in Southeast Asia continue to escalate.

Because of its location near the Philippines, Japan, China and the Korean peninsula, Guam is a significant strategic base for the U.S., especially with the growing conflict of disputed waters in the South China Sea.

In a statement outlining the reason for the missile program, the Department of Defense said: "Guam is a key strategic location for sustaining and maintaining U.S. influence, deterring adversaries, responding to crises, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

(more)
https://www.newsweek.com/us-missile-system-guam-impact-bad-news-1978454

[Smokin Joe]

Not as bad as the 'migrant influx' hitting some towns in the rust belt, but still, a significant number of newcomers. How many Guamanians will be hired/trained to work there? If some of the locals could be wrapped into the plan, it might go over better with the current residents and lessen the impact on them as well.

Not some sort of 'makework' or DEI or scam scheme, but honest jobs.

[AL]

Better late than never I guess.  China will take Taiwan, its almost certain, just a matter of when.  Guam is definitely a strategic location but I doubt that it will be much of a deterrence to China or N. Korea.  They should hire as many natives they can to help with construction and operations.

[catfish1957]

I'd start with a Hank Johnson Fear Factor joke, but I'm too tired.