The Strategic Importance of Pete Hegseth’s Guam Visit
“These islands are the tip of America’s spear in the Pacific,” Hegseth said.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently concluded his visit to Guam—a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean, and one of the U.S. Armed Forces’ most important bases in the Indo-Pacific.
The small island of Guam represents a key asset in America’s strategic competition with China. In the event of a conflict, the air base on the island would be a main hub of operations.
Secretary Hegseth’s Strategic Visit to Guam
“What unites us is who we are and our purpose as Americans,” Hegseth said during remarks to the troops on Guam. “We are in the business of warfighting. You are warfighters on behalf of our nation and we are [going to] make sure you have a military built and prepared for that fight. American leadership ensures the free world is protected—to advance American interests and the interests of our allies.”
Located approximately 1,600 miles southeast of Taiwan, and an additional 250 miles from mainland China, Guam is an ideal place for the United States to base its strategic bombers and long-range support aircraft. These aircraft can support air and naval forces that are on the very first line of defense, such as at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.
But Guam also hosts fighter jets, which, with the assistance of air tankers and external fuel tanks, can reach Taiwan and China. A variety of fighter aircraft rotate through Andersen Air Force Base, including F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets and F-16V Block 70/72 Fighting Falcons.
“Andersen Air Force Base is incredibly vital to the mission in the Indo-Pacific,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske, the commander of the 36th Wing, Andersen Air Force Base, said. “Our strategic location and the exceptional readiness of our personnel reinforce our commitment to deterrence and combat readiness in the region. The capabilities showcased and discussed during this visit not only empower our forces but also strengthen our alliances and ensure we stand ready to respond to any challenge.”
Guam Complements America’s Other Pacific Bases
The U.S. military operates air bases much closer to areas of interest. U.S. troops on Okinawa are only 380 miles from Taiwan and 415 miles from China.
“Our goal is to achieve peace through strength,” Hegseth said. “By putting America first, that means working with partners and allies throughout the region, reestablishing deterrence and building capabilities right here. These islands are the tip of America’s spear in the Pacific.”
Although Hegseth did not specify what America’s “spear” was aimed at, the tone of his remarks was sharply critical of China and its perceived aggression in the Indo-Pacific. During Trump’s first term, and throughout the intermediary term of President Joe Biden, the U.S. military and intelligence community identified China as the most acute threat to U.S. national security.
“I want to be very clear to everyone in this room. Any attack against these islands is an attack against the U.S. We recognize that, we understand that, and we are committed to that,” Hegseth concluded.
The U.S. acquired Guam from Spain at the close of the 19th century. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army captured the strategic island only hours after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. military liberated the island as part of the “island-hopping” strategy that led it to Japan’s doorstep.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock.