Guam: U.S. Defense Deployments

Publication Date: May 2009

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Military and defense

Type:

Abstract:

The U.S. military is building up forces on the U.S. territory of Guam to maintain deterrence and warfighting capabilities for possible responses to crises and disasters, counter-terrorism, and contingencies in support of South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, or elsewhere in Asia. At the same time, U.S. policies seek a peaceful resolution of the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons programs and cooperative ties with China and other countries. Guam's role has increased with plans to withdraw some U.S. forces from Japan and South Korea. The purpose of this CRS Report is to discuss developments and issues in Guam's defense build-up in terms of policy considerations, rather than budgetary issues. This CRS Report will not be updated.