AGP Executive Report

Typhoon Bavi Response Funding: Guam lawmakers passed an emergency bill (Bill 339-38 COR) to move about $8M left from Super Typhoon Sinlaku relief into Tropical Storm Bavi preparation and recovery, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signing it as Public Law 38-134. Funds include $250K each for 19 village mayors, $100K for the Mayors Council, and $250K each for Guam DOE schools used as storm shelters, with any remainder returning to the Rainy Day Fund. CNMI Storm Briefings: CNMI Gov. David Apatang urged Saipan, Tinian, and Rota residents to track forecasts as Bavi strengthens and seas build, with tropical storm conditions possible Sunday night and typhoon conditions possible Monday; officials also canceled the 80th Liberation Day parade. EV Fleet Shift: Guam rolled out eight 2026 Hyundai Tucsons as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for frontline agencies, funded via the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program, even as consumer EV incentives have ended. Airpower Near the Marianas: The U.S. Air Force deployed F-22 Raptor stealth fighters from Kadena for VALIANT SHIELD 2026, underscoring a stealth air-superiority layer near Taiwan and the East China Sea. Deep-Sea Mapping for Guam: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus is heading to Guam with a new Kongsberg EM 304 MKII sonar upgrade to map deeper seafloor and cover wider areas per pass. Local Tech & Research: YD Bio expanded its DNA-methylation cancer detection lab footprint to 46 states plus Guam and D.C. via new out-of-state clinical lab licenses. Invasive Species Action: Volunteers and partners ran a brown tree snake workshop and night hunt at Andersen Air Force Base, continuing Guam’s push to reduce the invasive threat. Airport Funding Pressure: Guam International Airport Authority lawmakers discussed a $17.7M request tied to ongoing projects, warning airlines could face higher fees without the additional funding.

Biotech Expansion: YD Bio says its EG BioMed US lab added Rhode Island and Pennsylvania licenses, extending its CLIA/CAP footprint to 46 states plus Guam and D.C., aiming to broaden blood-based early cancer testing. Disaster Response: Guam lawmakers called an emergency session to reprogram potentially millions in unspent Sinlaku typhoon funds for approaching Bolavi. Airport Funding Pressure: GIAA asked senators for $17.7M amid a revenue shortfall, warning airline fees could rise sharply without the money. Invasive Species on Guam: Volunteers at Andersen Air Force Base helped capture brown tree snakes during a workshop and night search. Defense Tech for Guam: HDR AECOM Infrastructure JV won a $100M NAVFAC Pacific contract for architect-engineer services, with major work in Guam. Ocean Mapping Upgrade: Nautilus set sail for Guam with a new multibeam sonar system to map deeper seafloor and expand coverage for exploration. Education Leadership: Judith P. Guthertz was selected as the next Guam Community College president starting July 6. Military Readiness: USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and CNMI, including Tinian’s STRONG Roof disaster-relief effort.

Airport Funding Crunch: Guam International Airport Authority asked senators for $17.7M after warning of a $10.5M revenue shortfall, saying airline fees could jump 23% to nearly 50% without the money. Invasive Species Response: Volunteers with Joint Region Marianas and the University of Guam helped catch about 20 brown tree snakes during a workshop and hunt at Andersen Air Force Base. Defense Engineering Contract: HDR AECOM Infrastructure JV won a $100M architect-engineer contract covering major base infrastructure work, with 60% of tasks in Guam. Deep-Sea Mapping Upgrade: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus set sail for Guam with a new Kongsberg EM 304 MKII sonar to map deeper seafloor and cover wider areas per pass. Global Hawk Shift: The Air Force moved three RQ-4B Global Hawks and 150 airmen from Guam to Yokota in Japan, citing operational advantages. Guam Defense Tech Tests: Guam Defense System work continues as MRIC and Patriot evaluations ramp up during Valiant Shield, feeding a broader island defense network. STEM & Learning: UOG recognized graduate award winners, while Guam Community College named Judith P. Guthertz as its next president starting July 6. Health Research: A new study finds breast cancer incidence rising fast among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women, with younger patients and triple-negative tumors showing notable increases.

Guam Defense Tech: The Guam Defense System keeps moving, with MRIC and Patriot tests tied to Valiant Shield 2026 and a broader “Golden Dome” push to link sensors and interceptors for island protection. Ocean Mapping: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus is heading to Guam with a new Kongsberg EM 304 MKII sonar upgrade, mapping deeper and wider seafloor habitats than before. Local Leadership: Judith P. Guthertz takes over as Guam Community College president July 6, aiming to boost workforce development and student success. STEM & Research: UOG graduate students were recognized at the university’s annual Graduate Awards ceremony, highlighting innovation and research impact. Public Safety: A man charged in Mangilao after police say a baggie of meth fell near him argues he was “set up,” as witness-tampering charges move forward. Emergency Preparedness: A proposal urges islandwide community bomb shelters, including grants and protective infrastructure like filtration, power, and supplies. Military Readiness: The U.S. Navy inactivated USS Alexandria after 35 years, while regional exercises continue to stress new missile and drone capabilities.

Global Hawk move to Japan: The Air Force is relocating RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 40 drones from Guam to Yokota Air Base, shifting Pacific ISR closer to Taiwan and the East China Sea while avoiding Guam’s typhoon season. Regional command focus: USPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Guam and CNMI, highlighting readiness and disaster-response work including STRONG Roof temporary repairs on Tinian and Saipan. Guam defense shield upgrades: Guam is hosting major air-defense testing tied to the “Golden Dome” concept, including MRIC Iron Dome-derived evaluations and Patriot missile system trials during Valiant Shield 2026. B-2 maritime strike milestone: For the first time publicly, the Air Force confirmed a B-2 Spirit fired the AGM-158C LRASM during Valiant Shield, striking the decommissioned USS Juneau north of the Marianas. Deep-sea mapping for Guam: Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus launched back-to-back expeditions to map unsurveyed areas east of the Mariana Trench and assess habitats and critical minerals. Local tech & training: Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport showcased augmented/virtual reality “serious games” to modernize Sailor training with safer, lower-cost simulations. Biosecurity policy: Guam lawmakers advanced a bill to simplify collection of invasive species inspection fees, aiming to speed remittance and keep biosecurity funding tied to importers. Tourism data (Hawaii): Hawaii reported May 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77B, with more visitors but shorter stays.

Guam Defense Shield: Marines tested the Iron Dome-derived Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, reinforcing a layered “Golden Dome” air-defense push as dispersed forces face drones and missiles. Pacific Exercise Tech: The U.S. Air Force also publicly acknowledged a B-2 Spirit firing the AGM-158C LRASM during SINKEX north of the Marianas, expanding long-range maritime strike options. Local STEM & Training: NUWC Keyport’s Human Performance Systems team is using augmented and virtual reality “serious games” to train Sailors in safer, more cost-effective ways. Water & Climate: UOG research using AI suggests rising sea levels may be increasing salt intrusion in Guam groundwater wells. Transit for Students: Dededo broke ground on a Park & Ride Northern Terminal to feed the “Road to Education” route linking schools and health services. Assistive Tech & Voting Access: Guam’s Assistive Technology Fair highlighted independence tools, while the Election Commission showcased ballot-marking devices for private, independent voting. Tourism Snapshot: May visitor spending rose to $1.77B, but stays shortened to 7.60 days.

Deep-Sea Science: E/V Nautilus is launching back-to-back deep-sea expeditions to map unsurveyed Mariana waters and assess habitat and critical minerals across 25% of U.S. waters around Guam and the CNMI. Mariana Defense Tech: U.S. Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) on Guam during Valiant Shield 2026, signaling a push toward more survivable, layered air defense for dispersed island operations. Naval Readiness: USS Frank Cable (AS 40) returned to Apra Harbor after completing sea trials, moving closer to deployable status following an eight-month maintenance period. Local Transit Upgrade: Dededo broke ground on a new Park & Ride Northern Terminal to anchor GRTA’s “Road to Education” route, funded by a $9.5M federal grant. Water Security: A University of Guam study using AI links rising sea levels to higher chloride levels in some coastal groundwater wells, raising concerns about drinking-water quality. Assistive Tech & Voting Access: Guam’s Assistive Technology Fair drew crowds with independence-focused devices, while the Guam Election Commission highlighted ballot-marking machines that support private, independent voting for people with disabilities. STEM Community Building: Junior Achievement Guam is recruiting volunteers to mentor students in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career readiness, and real-world problem-solving.

Guam Water & AI Research: A University of Guam study using AI analysis of 40+ years of groundwater data finds rising sea levels may be increasing salt (chloride) in some coastal wells, raising concerns for the island’s drinking-water supply. Higher Ed Leadership: UOG Provost Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba was selected for the 2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative, a national executive leadership program for senior college leaders. Transit & Mobility: Dededo officials broke ground on a new Park & Ride facility tied to a “Road to Education” transit route, funded by $9.5M in federal grants and aimed at linking key northern and central destinations. Assistive Tech & Voting Access: Guam’s Assistive Technology Fair drew crowds with independence-focused devices, while the Guam Election Commission highlighted ballot-marking machines that let voters with disabilities cast private, independent ballots during early voting (starting July 7). Defense Tech on Guam: U.S. Marines tested an Iron Dome-derived MRIC air-defense system during Valiant Shield 2026, reinforcing layered protection for dispersed island forces against drones and missiles. Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific region a stronger national voice. Military ISR Update: The U.S. Air Force permanently moved three RQ-4B Global Hawk drones from Andersen AFB to Yokota, shifting persistent surveillance closer to key Indo-Pacific flashpoints. Renewables Oversight: Guam’s PUC approved renewable energy acquisition awards for four sites totaling 62 MW, including locations on Chamorro Land Trust Commission property and near Andersen AFB.

Defense Tech & Guam Logistics: The U.S. Air Force permanently moved three Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 40 drones from Andersen AFB to Yokota AB near Tokyo, citing typhoon-season weather resilience but also boosting persistent Indo-Pacific ISR closer to key flashpoints. Naval Readiness at Apra Harbor: USS Frank Cable (AS 40) returned to Guam after completing sea trials following an eight-month maintenance period, with drills spanning damage control, mass casualty response, and engineering readiness. Local Infrastructure & Tourism: Guam Visitors Bureau reported May tourism tax collections at $2.756M (about 12% above budget) even as arrivals fell 24%, with the South Korea market down sharply amid higher airline fuel surcharges. Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific region a stronger voice in national TB policy. Renewables & Power Planning: Guam PUC approved renewable energy acquisition awards for four sites totaling 62MW, including former golf course areas on CLTC land and a site near Andersen AFB. STEM & Education Spotlight: St. John’s Sujin Oh earned major honors in mock trial, civics, and speech/debate, highlighting Guam’s student STEM-and-civics pipeline. Military Buildup Concerns: At a reconvened briefing, residents and advocates argued Guam is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform without civilian shelter plans or a seat at decision-making tables.

Indo-Pacific ISR Shift: The U.S. Air Force permanently moved three Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk Block 40 drones from Andersen AFB in Guam to Yokota Air Base near Tokyo, citing better weather resilience while boosting persistent surveillance closer to East China Sea and Taiwan approaches. Local Military Impact: Guam residents and advocates again pressed concerns at a reconvened military buildup briefing, arguing Guam is being repositioned as a forward offensive platform without civilian shelter planning or a seat in decision-making. Public Health Leadership: Guam’s TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving Guam a stronger voice in national TB policy. Renewables & Power Planning: Guam’s Public Utilities Commission approved renewable energy acquisition awards totaling 62 MW across four sites, including areas tied to the Chamorro Land Trust Commission and near Andersen AFB. Healthcare Infrastructure: After years of debate, a Mangilao dedication ceremony marked the new hospital site, with the governor citing major repair vs. rebuild cost comparisons and plans to consolidate public and behavioral health services. Tech & Community Access: Guam System for Assistive Technology’s free fair highlights AI smart glasses and other tools to help people with disabilities live more independently. Conservation Tech on Guam’s Coast: The Navy broke ground on a Missile Integration Test Facility while phasing construction to rescue and relocate more than 100 threatened native orchids found in the project area.

Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving Guam a bigger voice in national TB prevention and elimination policy. Education & Civic Skills: St. John’s Sujin Oh earned major honors in mock trial, a Ninth Circuit civics contest, and Lincoln-Douglas debate finalist recognition. Local Governance & Industry: First-time Guam Legislature candidates faced questions at a Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce forum, focusing on procurement reform and village-based services. Military Buildup Concerns: At a reconvened informational briefing, residents and advocates warned Guam is being treated as a forward offensive platform, with worries about shelters, notification, and housing/labor impacts. Aviation Tech & ISR: The U.S. Air Force permanently moved three RQ-4B Global Hawk drones from Andersen to Yokota in Japan to boost persistent Indo-Pacific surveillance and weather resilience. Renewables & Energy Planning: The PUC approved renewable energy acquisition awards for four sites totaling 62 MW, including former golf course land and an Andersen-area location. Healthcare Infrastructure: Mangilao’s new hospital site dedication ended a long debate over location, with officials citing major repair vs rebuild cost comparisons. Assistive Tech: Guam System for Assistive Technology’s fair highlights AI smart glasses and other tools to help people live more independently. Procurement & Accountability: Guam’s GDOE and Core Tech dispute a nearly $20M school repair payment, while the AG signed off on engineering work for the Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion to unlock grant funding. STEM in the Pacific: UOG archaeology professor Michael Carson will appear in a National Geographic documentary on Pacific voyaging. Defense Tech Watch: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat will join Valiant Shield exercises, marking a step toward collaborative unmanned fighter operations.

Military & Tech Policy: Guam residents pressed lawmakers at Sen. Telo Taitague’s reconvened Military Buildup Informational Briefing, warning the island is being positioned as a forward offensive platform without shelters, notice, or a seat in decision-making as U.S. plans include major missile, drone, and space-based warning spending and possible microreactor deployments. Renewables & Power: The Guam Public Utilities Commission approved Guam Power Authority renewable energy acquisition awards for four sites totaling 62 MW, including projects on Chamorro Land Trust Commission property tied to the former golf course and a site near Andersen AFB. Healthcare Infrastructure: After years of debate, officials dedicated the Mangilao site for Guam’s new hospital complex, with the governor citing cost comparisons and plans to consolidate public health and behavioral health services. Local Governance & Contracts: Guam’s Veterans Cemetery expansion design contract cleared the Attorney General for about $15.4M in grant-critical work, while Guam Department of Education and Core Tech remain locked in a near-$20M dispute over school repair payments after a contract expired. Assistive Tech: Guam System for Assistive Technology’s free fair highlights AI smart glasses and other tools to help people with disabilities live more independently. Science in the Region: Palau researchers reported longnose emperor reef fish life-history differences that could shape future catch limits and spawning protections. Public Safety: Lifeguards reiterated rip-current survival guidance—stay calm, flip onto your back, and float out of danger.

Guam Healthcare Infrastructure: After years of debate, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero dedicated the Mangilao site for a new Guam hospital, ending the location fight. The plan calls for a 45–47 acre campus near GPA/GWA, with the governor seeking more land from the Navy to expand capacity and consolidate Public Health and Behavioral Health under “one whole Guam hospital.” Local Defense Tech & Readiness: The Army’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) is moving fast to fill battlefield tech gaps, including rapid delivery of counter-drone capability. Indo-Pacific ISR Shift: The U.S. Air Force permanently basing three RQ-4B Global Hawks in Japan boosts long-endurance surveillance closer to key regional flashpoints. Naval Base Guam Environment + Tech: NAWMU-1 broke ground on a Missile Integration Test Facility while protecting 111 threatened native orchids found in the construction zone through a phased build and relocation plan. Guam Education Contract Dispute: Guam Department of Education and Core Tech International are at odds over nearly $20M in unpaid school repair work tied to an expired contract. Assistive Tech for Islanders: Guam System for Assistive Technology’s free fair highlights AI smart glasses and other tools to help people live more independently. UOG Audit Update: UOG received a clean FY2025 financial audit opinion, but auditors flagged internal control weaknesses tied to federal program compliance.

Guam Education vs. Core Tech: Guam Department of Education and Core Tech International are locked in a nearly $20M dispute over school repairs, with the department arguing the work continued after an expired contract while the contractor seeks payment for unfunded scope. Naval Base Guam, orchids first: NAWMU-1 broke ground on a Missile Integration Test Facility while pausing construction steps to protect 100+ threatened native orchids, with relocation planned before the main site work resumes. Veterans cemetery funding crunch: AG Douglas Moylan approved the engineering contract for the $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion, clearing the way for grant timing—design must be finished by Sept. 30. UOG clean audit: University of Guam received an unmodified FY2025 audit opinion, though auditors flagged internal control weaknesses tied to federal program compliance. Assistive tech fair: Guam System for Assistive Technology hosts a free June 27 fair featuring Meta AI smart glasses and other tools to help residents live more independently. Military tech on Guam’s doorstep: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat will fly in the US-led Valiant Shield exercise around Guam and the region, marking a major step for uncrewed fighter operations. Tourism hit: May visitor arrivals to Guam fell 23.5% year over year, driven largely by South Korea flight schedule cuts and higher travel costs.

Missile & Tech Readiness: Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit (NAWMU) One broke ground on a Missile Integration Test Facility while pausing construction to protect 100+ threatened native orchids, with relocation planned under a formal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinion. Local Governance & Land: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission approved two previously voided leases tied to a 2018 Attorney General opinion on applicant-right transfers. Education Funding Fight: Guam Department of Education and contractor Core Tech are locked in a near-$20M dispute over school repairs, with the core question being whether work continued after an expired contract can be paid legally. Veterans Infrastructure: AG Douglas Moylan approved the engineering contract for the $15.4M Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion, now awaiting the governor’s signature to keep grant timelines on track. Public Health & Care: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is moving toward CIHQ accreditation, with Guam National Guard support for modernization and patient-safety improvements. Assistive Tech for Guam: The Guam System for Assistive Technology hosts a free Assistive Technology Fair featuring Meta AI-powered smart glasses and other daily-independence tools. UOG & Research Ops: UOG received a clean FY2025 audit opinion, though auditors flagged internal control weaknesses; UOG also announced soil-sampling workshops for farmers and residents. Military Training Tech: Naval Base Guam completed a Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability Forward site, and Andersen AFB runway repairs were fast-tracked ahead of Valiant Shield. Tourism Signals: Guam arrivals fell 23.5% in May, driven largely by South Korea capacity cuts, schedule shifts, and higher travel costs.

Assistive Tech in Guam: The Guam System for Assistive Technology hosts a free Assistive Technology Fair (June 27, Micronesia Mall) featuring Meta AI-powered smart glasses and other tools to help people live more independently. Local Governance & Veterans Services: AG Douglas Moylan approved the engineering contract for the Guam Veterans Cemetery expansion in Piti, unlocking about $15.4M in grant funding and pushing the project toward a Sept. 30 design deadline. Education & Local Tech Capacity: UOG signed a memorandum with Goodwind Development Corporation to expand internships and career pathways for students and graduates, linking campus learning to Guam’s workforce needs. Public Works & Procurement Tension: Guam’s GDOE and contractor Core Tech International are in a dispute over nearly $20M in unpaid school repairs, with lawmakers questioning whether work continued after an expired contract. Military Tech & Training on Guam: Naval Base Guam marked the final operational capability of a forward multi-domain training node for PMTEC, supporting live, virtual, and constructive coalition training at the tactical edge. Defense Aviation Exercise: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed fighter will join the US-led Valiant Shield exercise near Guam and the Marianas, marking a major step for collaborative combat aircraft in coalition drills. Cyber Safety: GDOE says a circulating email offering discounted vehicles and household items was a phishing attempt, with no sender tied to the agency. UOG Audit Update: UOG received a clean FY2025 audit opinion, but auditors flagged internal control weaknesses tied to compliance and an endowment foundation loan accounting issue.