Governor and Lt. Governor Meet with Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao

Hagåtña, Guam - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio met with newly confirmed Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Commander of Navy Installations Command, to discuss Guam's defense readiness, infrastructure, and shared priorities under the One Guam concept. Also in attendance were Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky, Rear Admiral Brett Mietus, and Congressman James Moylan.

"Under Secretary Cao shared that he was here 50 years ago as a four-year-old boy and part of the relocation and evacuation from Vietnam," said Governor Leon Guerrero. "He told me very confidently that the Pentagon, the White House, and Congress remain very focused on providing resources here to strengthen Guam's role in the defense of our nation. We talked about Guam's top priorities-our new hospital, cybersecurity, infrastructure, cabotage, workforce development, and transportation-and how these investments are critical to a solid defense posture."

Lieutenant Governor Tenorio emphasized the significance of Cao's confirmation and his connection to Guam. He said, "It is very critical and important that we now have a confirmed Under Secretary of the Navy. Having someone in a permanent position eliminates delays in the implementation and execution of programs that advance the defense of Guam and our region. Under Secretary Cao brings a personal story that resonates deeply with us-having come from a heritage where freedom was once taken away, yet rising to serve this country at the highest levels. We are grateful for his service and for his commitment to public duty."

Under Secretary Cao shared that returning to Guam held deep meaning for him and stated, "I feel like I came back home because this was the doorway to freedom for my family. We came here in 1975, and it is such an honor to come back now-not just as Under Secretary of the Navy, but as the Senior Defense Official for Guam. In the new National Defense Strategy, the two priorities are to protect the homeland-which includes Guam-and to deter aggression from the Chinese Communist Party. Guam is central to both, and that's why it was important for me to be here within three weeks of being sworn in."

When asked about the construction of a new hospital, Governor Leon Guerrero reaffirmed that there is "united agreement about the necessity of a new hospital" that would serve both civilian and military needs. She added that "everyone agrees the current hospital cannot meet the demands of conflict or natural disasters, and a modern facility will be vital to save lives and strengthen resilience."

Lt. Governor Tenorio, added, "We saw the Navy's commitment when they offered land to build the hospital. The Governor has been transparent that this is Guam's top infrastructure project, and we continue to advocate for federal investment so that taxpayers and ratepayers are not burdened with the cost."

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