AGP Executive Report

Maritime & Defense: The USS George Washington is set for a Guam port visit June 16–20 as it heads into spring deployment, with the USS Blue Ridge also departing Japan; separately, the U.S. Global Hawk unit is moving from Guam to Tokyo (Yokota) in phases, and the Army is creating a new Air and Missile Defense Systems Repairer MOS (14W) to consolidate Patriot and THAAD maintenance roles. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Guam’s corrections crisis is flagged in a letter warning that aging facilities and overlooked risks undermine public safety and homeland security. Energy & Utilities: A proposed Guam Power Authority rate increase is criticized by residents as another cost squeeze on families. Environment & Permitting: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states/territories from activist groups suing to halt federal permitting before Guam EPA review. Agriculture & Food Systems: UOG’s Farmer Focus launches Hotnu Heals, a community gathering for agricultural producers, while UOG’s Soil Lab offers free post-storm soil testing for farmers. Business & Workforce: Guam’s Motor Carrier Safety program gets an $855K grant after 90 of 511 commercial vehicles were found out of compliance; plus, UOG Drone Corps opens applications for its 2026 cohort.

Utility Leadership: Guam’s utility regulator Lea Márquez Peterson was elected Vice President of the Western Conference of Public Service Commissioners, with the group also naming Milt Doumit as President and Randy Brown as Secretary-Treasurer—highlighting shared regional focus on grid reliability, water infrastructure, and energy demand. Disaster & Supply Chains: One month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full operational capacity, though distributors still face lingering logistics issues like port access disruptions and freight delays. Maritime Safety & Liability: Owners of the capsized M/V Mariana filed a federal action in Guam seeking exoneration or limitation of liability, marking their first public statement since the vessel vanished. Defense & Local Impact: The Army is consolidating Patriot and THAAD roles into a new 14W specialty, with THAAD batteries stationed in Guam and regular deployments tied to missile defense needs. Energy Costs: Guam residents are pushing back on a proposed Guam Power Authority rate increase, arguing it adds pressure to already strained household budgets. Road Safety: Guam’s Motor Carrier program received an $855K grant and found 90 of 511 commercial vehicles out of safety standards, ordering them to come into compliance. Agriculture Recovery: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July to help rebuild productivity after Sinlaku.

Guam Civic Accountability: A Guam voter-focused op-ed argues debates are the only way residents can compare candidates in real time on issues like food assistance, immigration, disability benefits, and radiation exposure. Community & Youth: Majesty Christian Academy’s Island Adventure Summer Camp runs July 6–Aug. 7 at Yigo Baptist Church, with half-day academics, field trips, and free lunch (registration $300/week). Local Cost of Living: Letters urge the Consolidated Commission on Utilities to ease the burden of proposed Guam Power Authority rate hikes, warning families will have less for essentials. Supply Chain & Recovery: One month after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full capacity, but distributors still face logistics friction. Maritime Disaster Legal Move: Owners of the M/V Mariana filed a federal action seeking exoneration/limited liability, calling the vessel seaworthy and the tragedy without their knowledge. Defense & Training: NUWC Keyport’s Instructional Technology & Training Branch details how it builds Navy training from early analysis through media development and support. Agriculture & Food Business: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab offers free post-storm soil testing for certified farmers in June–July, and UOG’s Farmer Focus program hosts free Mental Health First Aid training June 6. Transportation Safety: Guam’s Motor Carrier program received an $855K grant and found 90 of 511 commercial vehicles out of safety standards. Regional Security: AUKUS submarine plan shifts toward transferring Virginia-class subs to Australia, reshaping logistics and industrial expectations. Business Confidence: Guam Business Magazine’s Top Companies in Micronesia survey reports a turnaround, with military construction driving growth.

Defense & Local Burden-Sharing: Guam officials pushed back on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “partners, not protectorates” message, arguing the territory is already central to Indo-Pacific operations and has hosted a major military buildup. Maritime & Security Spending: The Navy is nearing return-to-service for the Seawolf-class USS Connecticut after repairs expected to top $80M, while SpaceX won a $4.16B contract for a space-based airborne threat tracking network. Permitting & Housing/Environment: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey leads a coalition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to curb activist groups from suing to block federal permitting before Guam/territory review—citing impacts on housing, energy, and military projects. Infrastructure & Safety: Guam’s Motor Carrier program received an $855K grant; 90 of 511 commercial vehicles inspected this year were found out of compliance. Agriculture & Recovery: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers after Sinlaku, and UOG is running a free Mental Health First Aid training for people in agriculture. Wildlife Monitoring: NAVFAC Marianas and partners counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions. Energy & Governance Risk: Auditors found Guam Power Authority didn’t remove computer access fast enough after some employees separated, raising cyber security concerns.

Defense & Construction Confidence: Guam Business Magazine’s 2026 Top Companies in Micronesia confidence survey shows a rare turnaround, with military construction driving the strongest business optimism in five years. Housing Pressure: A new look at Guam’s Navy housing procurement warns the market may be reading the situation wrong as timelines slip and requirements shift. Road Safety & Compliance: Guam’s Motor Carrier program received an $855K grant and found 90 of 511 commercial vehicles out of safety standards, ordering fixes before they return to the roads. Power & Cyber Risk: Auditors say Guam Power Authority didn’t remove system access fast enough after employee separations, creating a potential security exposure. Agriculture Recovery Support: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-storm soil testing for farmers in June and July, plus free Mental Health First Aid training for the ag community. Local Environment & Wildlife: NAVFAC and partners counted 269 fanihi (Mariana fruit bats) across Guam, Saipan, and Tinian to guide conservation actions. Logistics After Sinlaku: Guam’s commercial supply chain is back to full capacity, but perishable grocery logistics and fuel distribution still face lingering hurdles. Maritime Cleanup & Salvage: FEMA-funded work begins to clear damaged vessels from Smiling Cove to restore safe waterway access.

Defense & Security: The USS Connecticut (Seawolf-class) is nearing return to service after major setbacks, while the U.S. Army seeks 857 THAAD interceptors in FY2027 as Indo-Pacific missile threats keep rising. Guam’s Military Footprint: Global Hawk surveillance drones are set to shift from Guam to Yokota in Tokyo this summer, moving about 150 personnel with them. Local Agriculture & Resilience: UOG’s Land Grant Soil Lab is offering free post-Typhoon Sinlaku soil testing for farmers in June and July, and UOG Farmer Focus is running a free Mental Health First Aid training on June 6. Workforce & Tech Training: UOG Drone Corps is opening applications for its 2026 cohort, with FAA Part 107b licensing support and hands-on field experience. Power & Infrastructure: Auditors say GPA didn’t remove system access fast enough after employee separations, and GMH modernization includes bids for new emergency generators. Maritime & Disaster Response: Partners begin a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove, and Guam’s Supreme Court backs the governor’s authority to use federal funds for the Mangilao hospital project. Tourism & Local Business: Tumon Night Market moves to in front of Tumon Sands Plaza for the Summer Showcase series.

Aviation & Training: UOG Drone Corps is taking applications for its 2026 cohort, aiming to train new FAA Part 107b-licensed remote pilots with course dates tentatively set for July 27–Aug. 7 and fees covered through the program. Cyber & Utilities Oversight: Auditors say Guam Power Authority didn’t promptly remove system access for some separated employees, leaving accounts active months after termination and raising security concerns. Maritime Response: Federal, local partners are starting a 30-day operation to clear damaged vessels from Smiling Cove in Saipan to restore safer waterway access. Shipping Liability: Owners of cargo vessel M/V Mariana are asking Guam federal court to block or cap liability after it capsized during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Port Business: Port Authority leadership can negotiate a lease for an inflatable ocean park at Port property, with board approval required. Local Health Infrastructure: Guam Supreme Court says the AG can’t use procurement law to veto the governor’s use of federal funds to build the Mangilao medical complex hospital. Agriculture & Disaster Relief: A farmer’s plea highlights disputes over how Guam compensates crop losses after typhoons, with the AG’s interpretation limiting payouts to production costs rather than market value. Defense Moves: Japan reports the U.S. will relocate three Global Hawk aircraft and about 150 personnel from Andersen AFB in Guam to Yokota in Tokyo this summer.

Defense & Space Contracts: SpaceX won a $4.16B U.S. Space Force deal to build the SB-AMTI satellite network, aiming to track airborne threats from orbit and reduce reliance on vulnerable aircraft surveillance. Local Housing Funding: Guam’s housing concerns didn’t make it into the House defense bill’s chairman’s mark, leaving key Naval Base Guam and Andersen projects unfunded. Immigration Policy Impact: Guam and CNMI challengers are pushing back on a USCIS memo that shifts adjustment-of-status toward discretion, warning it could worsen labor shortages and raise costs. Port & Tourism Development: Port Authority board members approved talks with Splash Village Ocean Park for an inflatable ocean park on Port property. Energy & Resilience: GMH modernization is moving ahead with plans to replace emergency generators and upgrade HVAC for stronger disaster readiness. Agriculture & Workforce Training: UOG’s Farmer Focus heads to Chuuk July 1, and UOG Drone Corps is accepting applications for a summer remote-pilot training cycle. Power Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority marked the Ukudu plant ribbon cutting, targeting major fuel-import reductions while still pursuing a July rate increase. Wildlife & Culture: Trail cameras captured ko’ko’ mating and chicks on Cocos Island, while the new Piti Sea Festival highlighted maritime traditions and navigation knowledge.

Indo-Pacific Infrastructure & Energy: The Quad’s New Delhi meeting flagged new port work in Fiji, an energy security push tied to Strait of Hormuz instability, maritime surveillance cooperation, and undersea cable resilience—moves that could shape regional shipping and critical minerals supply chains. Tourism & Local Commerce: Tumon Night Market is relocating to be directly in front of Tumon Sands Plaza for better visibility and walkable access, kicking off a Summer Showcase “Industry Night.” UOG Agriculture & Skills: UOG’s Farmer Focus heads to Chuuk on July 1, while the UOG Drone Corps is taking applications for a summer training cycle aimed at licensed remote pilots for environmental, ag, and infrastructure work. Power & Construction: KEPCO officially completed Guam’s Ukudu gas combined-cycle plant, targeting major fuel-oil reductions, as GPA also weighs rate impacts; GMH is pursuing emergency generator and HVAC upgrades. Health Project Legal Update: Guam Supreme Court backed the governor’s authority to build the Mangilao hospital and blocked the AG’s attempt to use procurement law as a veto. Immigration Scrutiny: A new USCIS memo signals tighter in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting Guam’s construction and service labor pipelines.

Hospital Funding Fight: Guam Supreme Court says AG Douglas Moylan can’t use procurement law to block Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero from spending federal money to build the Mangilao hospital, pushing disputes into the courts and clearing the way for the federally funded project. Power & Infrastructure: Guam Power Authority and KEPCO marked the Ukudu Gas Combined Cycle Power Plant’s full commercial launch, promising major fuel savings and more reliable electricity, while GMH moves to replace aging emergency generators and HVAC systems to strengthen disaster readiness. Agriculture & Policy: A farmer’s plea to lawmakers highlights confusion over what Guam disaster crop relief covers after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with officials pointing to a prior AG opinion that limits compensation to production costs, not market value. Workforce & Tech: An Innovate Guam message ties Guam’s next economy to skills and training—trades, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and health care—while a new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments that could affect Guam’s construction and service labor pipeline. Tourism & Community: GVB expects summer arrivals to build despite jet fuel pressure and air capacity issues, and the Tumon Night Market returns with a Summer Showcase series featuring an “Industry Night” for local businesses. Energy/Environment: NAVFAC and partners completed the Annual Fanihi count, recording 269 Mariana fruit bats across the Marianas.

Defense & Aviation: The U.S. plans to move three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to Yokota Air Base in Tokyo this summer, bringing about 150 personnel and using existing facilities, with Japan’s defense ministry urging steps to reduce impacts on nearby residents. Local Courts & Health Infrastructure: Guam’s Supreme Court backed Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero’s authority to build and run the federally funded Mangilao hospital, rejecting attempts to block it through local procurement vetoes. Power & Energy Costs: Guam Power Authority and partners marked the ribbon cutting/launch of the 198-megawatt Ukudu Gas Combined Cycle plant, expected to cut fuel oil imports by roughly 1 million barrels a year and support more stable electricity as GPA pursues a July rate increase. Tourism & Visitor Flow: GVB says summer arrivals should build momentum despite recent setbacks like Super Typhoon Sinlaku and high jet fuel prices, with indicators pointing to easing pressure into July and August. Business & Financing: GEDA received a second $19.5M tranche under the State Small Business Credit Initiative to expand loan guarantees, surety bond help, and its Destinu Guåhan venture capital fund. Education Finance Watch: The Education Financial Supervisory Commission reviewed GDOE arrears and utility-related spending projections, including questions about aged bills. Immigration Scrutiny: A new USCIS memo signals tighter review for in-country green card adjustments, which could affect foreign workers and small business owners in Guam. Maritime Cleanup (CNMI): Federal and local partners begin a 30-day vessel removal operation at Smiling Cove Marina to restore safe waterway access after Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Agriculture & Local Food Markets: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is inviting farmers and food entrepreneurs to a marketing workshop series focused on product, price, place, promotion, and people.

US Immigration: A new USCIS memo says in-country green card adjustments will be granted only in “extraordinary circumstances,” pushing most applicants back to consular processing—likely hitting Guam’s construction and healthcare labor pipelines. Energy & Utilities: Guam’s new 198-megawatt Ukudu power plant is officially commissioned, with officials touting major fuel-oil reductions and a path toward cleaner, more reliable electricity. Local Power Costs: Guam’s ratepayers face a potential power bill hike as regulators weigh GPA actions and fuel-related costs. Hospital Funding Fight: A judge orders settlement talks over more than $100M for the Mangilao hospital utilities project, while the governor warns federal funds may be lost soon. Small Business Funding: GEDA receives an additional $19.5M under the State Small Business Credit Initiative to expand loan guarantees, surety bonds, and venture capital support for Guam’s tech, agriculture, and manufacturing. Tourism & Community: Tumon Night Market shifts for a Summer Showcase series, and Guam’s Youth Art Contest winners are displayed at the airport for Tourism Month. Agriculture & Food Markets: UOG invites farmers and food entrepreneurs to a 5P Agricultural Marketing Workshop series to boost sales of Guam-grown products. Conservation: NAVFAC and partners complete the Annual Fanihi (Mariana fruit bat) population count across the Marianas. Aviation/Routes: Airlines adjust Guam and Saipan flight schedules amid post-typhoon and industry disruptions.

Military & Heritage: A letter urges Guam’s administration to stop locking the public out as the SHPO prepares to sign an island-wide military Programmatic Agreement, warning past deals led to major cultural and environmental losses. Broadcast Regulation: FCC deadlines in June include foreign sponsorship ID compliance and Annual EEO Public File Reports due June 1, plus multiple comment windows for fees and TV parental guidelines. Power & Energy: KEPCO commissioned Guam’s Ukudu 198-megawatt combined-cycle plant, aimed at supplying up to 75% of peak demand, while Guam Power Authority faces a potential fuel surcharge jump that could raise average bills by about $58. Small Business Finance: GEDA received a second $19.5M tranche under SSBCI to expand loan guarantees, surety bond help, and the Destinu Guåhan venture fund. Tourism & Community: GVB and GIAA unveiled 2026 youth art contest winners at the airport to showcase “Håfa Adai Spirit,” and GVB also highlighted youth art contest participation. Aviation & Travel: Airlines adjust Mariana routes and schedules after Typhoon Sinlaku, including United service changes and resumption dates for Saipan routes. Agriculture & Youth: UOG opens 4-H summer enrichment camps for registration starting June 1, with new STEM and theatre options. Conservation: DAWR reports a rare sihek (Guam kingfisher) chick hatched after Sinlaku, with DNA confirming it’s female.

Disaster Readiness: FEMA’s acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is ready for the 2026 hurricane season as it runs “Silent Echo,” even while FEMA faces a proposed redesign of its disaster role. Marianas Response Logistics: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, 374th Airlift Wing crews rushed supplies to Guam and the CNMI on a compressed timeline, showing how quickly defense support to civil authorities can scale. Power Costs & Rates: CCU tabled a GPA golf-course-to-solar deal pending more review, while GPA’s fuel surcharge hike is moving toward approval—ratepayers could see about a $58 jump in average bills starting July 1. Aviation & Tourism: Airlines are adjusting Guam and Saipan routes and dates post-Sinlaku, and a tourism opinion piece argues Guam must shift from restoration to innovation to stay competitive. Conservation & Agriculture: DAWR reports a rare sihek (Guam kingfisher) female hatched after Sinlaku, and UOG’s 4-H summer camps open registration for hands-on STEM and arts. Small Business Funding: GEDA received a second SSBCI tranche (~$19.5M) to keep capital flowing to Guam entrepreneurs. Energy Infrastructure: Saipan power restoration is past halfway on primary lines, but copper theft and material shortages are slowing progress. Immigration Compliance: A USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for in-country green card adjustments, likely affecting foreign workers and small business owners on Guam.

Defense Logistics: Navy Cmdr. Justin Gay took over DLA Energy Indo-Pacific South-West on Guam, tasked with keeping fuel flowing for joint forces across 20 countries. Wildlife & Agriculture: After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam’s Department of Agriculture hatched a rare sihek chick through artificial incubation—DNA confirmed it’s female, boosting the captive population. Energy Costs: Guam Power Authority is one step closer to a rate hike after CCU approval, with the average residential bill projected to rise about $58 starting July 1 as fuel surcharge levels adjust. Small Business Finance: Guam Economic Development Authority received the second SSBCI tranche—about $19.5M—to keep capital moving for local lenders and entrepreneurs. Subsea Connectivity: Trans Pacific Networks tapped Indigo for 24/7 operational support for its Guam-linked subsea cable systems, aiming to improve service assurance. Food Security: SNAP participation is dropping as federal work rules tighten, and Guam faces cuts for thousands of able-bodied adults without dependents. Cannabis Compliance: Guam’s Cannabis Control Board may act on applicants whose government credentials expired and haven’t responded. Tourism Watch: Guam’s visitor arrivals fell 28% in April year-over-year, with GVB urging action to protect airlift and keep peak season strong.

Power Bills: Guam Power Authority is one step closer to a July rate hike after the Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved a fuel surcharge jump that could raise the average residential bill by about $58 (from $260.37 to $318.67), with final sign-off now headed to the Public Utilities Commission. SNAP Pressure: Federal food assistance is falling across the U.S. and Guam, with SNAP drops tied to new work rules—while Guam’s participation is reported up slightly, other states are seeing steep declines. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Regulators and companies are moving toward deep-sea mining licenses in the Marianas, but Guam lawmakers are pushing back with a ban measure and steep daily penalties. Local Youth & Food: University of Guam 4-H summer camps are open for registration, and Northwest Tennessee’s Farm to School grant highlights how local food programs are expanding in schools. Tourism Watch: Guam’s April arrivals fell 28% year-over-year, driven by travel softness and higher fuel costs. Ocean Science: The Ocean Exploration Trust kicks off its 2026 expedition season to map deep-sea habitats across the Central and Western Pacific.