Last month, I spent a bit of time
writing on the importance of a security conference on Guam.
Later today, this event hosted by the Guam
U.S. Asia Security Alliance (GUASA) expects to challenge us to think about the
role of America in this part of the world and how our Nation's intelligence
community has viewed the geo-political activities of an area that is growing with
each setting sun and rising tide. With
Japan, the Koreas, China and Southeast Asia at the doorsteps of the Western
Pacific it is clear that much interest is being paid to what is happening here
and the respective growth plans in the near future-economically and militarily.
This two-day event is featuring
America's premier experts on U.S.-Asia relations and foreign policy. I am anxious
to hear from career intelligence expert Carl Ford Jr. , Rand Corporation
experts Stacie Pettyjohn and Alan Vick, Global Strategies and Transformation
thought leader and Office of the Secretary of Defense US-Japan Alliance veteran
Paul Giarra, former 7th Fleet Commander VADM Tim Wright, former State
Department Senior Policy Adviser and Asia Expert Robin Sakoda, China Defense Expert
and Consultant Timothy Walton, Center for a New American Security Senior
Director Patrick Cronin, East West Center Director Satu Limaye, former-U.S.
Senate Staffer and intelligence analyst training professional Robert Mihalik,
former-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Randy Schriver and Retired U.S. Marine Lt. General Wallace "Chip" Gregson.
The last two names are familiar to
many in this part of the world for many reasons.
I had the privilege
of working closely with Randy while working for the Office of the Governor of
Guam. His role as advocate for the
Islands in the State Department was key to advancing America's message across
the Pacific during his tenure at State.
His team was diligent in their work to understand their role to support
the ever growing needs of the U.S. Territories
and the U.S. Affiliated Islands of the Pacific-the U.S. Department of
the Interior and the White House is primarily was tasked with this important
oversight. Randy's input at the GUASA
event will come with much experience on the impacts of US-Asia foreign policy
on the current and future development of the communities from just West of
Hawaii to the Indian Ocean.
One thing is for certain, I can
call "Chip" a friend. For just
over 15 years the Colorado-native has had his finger on the pulse of the
expansion of America's role in this area.
He began his advocacy for the Pacific as Defense Department Director of
Asia-Pacific Policy in 1998. Chip's
leadership led him to the region where he excelled as Commanding General of Marine
Corps Forces Pacific and his storied efforts led him back to the Pentagon as
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs where he
was DOD point-man on the region for the Obama Administration until April
2011. When Marines talk about security
in this region, everyone listens. His humor
and expertise will certainly contribute much to this important round table
discussion.
We can expect two days of
straight talk from these experts on US-Asia affairs. Throw in some anecdotes
from local leaders and thoughtful analysis of the issues facing every member of
the Pacific community and you will have a recipe for what will could be an
annual must attend event.
GET, LLC will follow the event over the course of the next couple of days and offer our perspective of these important talks in Guam.