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US basing plans shape up for speed and flexibility
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| 15 June 2004 |
By Andrew Koch , JDW Bureau Chief,
Washington, DC
Additional reporting Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Editor
Bangkok and Joshua Kucera JDW Staff Reporter
Washington, DC
US plans for changing its global military basing posture are coming into focus as Washington seeks greater flexibility and speed by moving its forces closer to areas of anticipated conflict.
While US defence officials insist they have not reached any final decisions on potential moves, primary recommendations of the Global Defense Posture Review have come to light over the past few weeks. Final proposals are expected after consultations with allies. Senior defence officials said any changes would only be made after those discussions and after taking into account the effects of the forthcoming Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Several changes are being planned in the Pacific, including shifting US forces from South Korea and moving ships and bombers to Guam so they would be able to more quickly reach potential crisis areas on the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan Strait. Although Adm Thomas Fargo, Commander US Pacific Command, refused to discuss specifics, he told JDW on 10 June that "Guam will be an important place". He said that any proposed changes would first have to go through the BRAC process as well as consultations with allies.
Rear Adm Paul Sullivan, the top US submarine commander in the Pacific, confirmed to JDW that up to six additional submarines are being considered for home-porting in Guam in addition to the three nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) already shifted to the island. The additional submarines under consideration include both SSNs and soon-to-be-converted nuclear-powered cruise missile boats. Adm Sullivan said that basing more than four submarines on Guam would require upgrading and expanding the island's limited infrastructure.
Other senior navy officials said it is likely that a carrier strike group would be shifted from San Diego, California, to Hawaii, although a final decision on that move will come as part of the BRAC.
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