by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Members of the public in Guam attended open-house meetings last week to learn more about the 360-degree Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System being planned for Guam.
The military is seeking public input on a draft environmental impact statement for the missile defense system.
The Guam Daily Post reports that, if a decision is made to proceed with the proposed missile defense system, site preparation and construction would begin in 2025, with work continuing through 2035, site by site.
The presence of U.S. missiles stationed in Guam has raised significant community concerns among local residents regarding both environmental and security implications. Many residents worry about the potential for environmental degradation, as military activities can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten the rich biodiversity of the island. Additionally, there is anxiety about the safety of the population in the event of an accident or escalation of military tensions in the region. The strategic positioning of these missiles is seen as a double-edged sword; while it may enhance national security, it simultaneously places Guam at the forefront of geopolitical conflicts, heightening fears of becoming a target during crises. This delicate balance between defense and the well-being of local communities continues to be a contentious issue, prompting calls for greater dialogue and transparency in military operations.
