On a routine visit to Andersen AFB, Guam, Pacific Air Forces commander, Gen. Paul Hester, told reporters that the base is not ready to host some 7,000 Marines that the Pentagon envisions shifting from Okinawa. (DR 11/01/05) Hester wasn’t saying the move won’t work, just that Andersen need more information and some time to plan. According to KUAM-TV, Hester speculated that the southern part of the base—with renovation—might serve as a home for the Marines.
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 defense budget, submitted to Congress last week, accelerates the downsizing of the U.S. Air Force. It proposes divesting 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. These cuts risk the Air Force’s ability prevail. “Peace through strength” has...