Guam – Multiple news agencies are reporting that North Korea is threatening a missile attack against Guam and specifically Guam’s Andersen air force base. The threats came just hours after President Donald Trump released a statement saying any threat to the U.S. would be met with “fire and fury”. Meanwhile Governor Eddie Calvo says Guam is not under a real threat from North Korea and instead likened it to being in typhoon condition of readiness four which is the base level of readiness.
“We’re not even at typhoon condition three if you want to say that or typhoon, I guess if you want to equate things how we are in condition of readiness four that’s kind of like how we are with this situation in North Korea,” said Governor Calvo adding, “I know it seems that the island of Guam seems to be in the headlines and the top of the news in a lot of the national and international media particularly some of the rhetoric coming out with North Korea.”
Today North Korea made threats to make “an enveloping fire at the areas around Guam with medium-to-long-range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 in order to contain the U.S. major military bases on Guam including the Anderson air force base.”
“This is not a time to panic these are many statements that are being made out there by a very bellicose leader but at this point there has been no change in the security situation here on Guam. I’ve gotten assurances again from all levels both local command and Washinton D.C. that this island will be defended and United States military has their forces ready to protect and defend not only Guam but all American interests in this region and the homeland,” said Governor Calvo.
Part of that defense includes a missile defense system. “The bigger umbrella is called the national missile defense so not only is the THAAD which is located up in Andersen Air Force base permanently stationed here because of what happened in April of 2013 but that capability still exists and the condition of that is highly ready. So that’s one missile system. The other is right around the Sea of Japan. They have the Aegis warships. Those are also part of the National missile defense. There’s other systems out there which I am not at liberty to talk about. Like Oya tells me all those put together point .00001 chance of that missile getting through that layer,” said Homeland Security Advisor George Charfarous.
And the Governor and Homeland Security Advisor wanted to be clear that Guam is nowhere near a level of threat that worries officials about a potential missile attack. “To me we’re in condition five go out and barbeque,” said Charfarous.
The Governor also issued the following written statement earlier in the day:
“Good morning my dear people of Guam,
I know we woke up to media reports of North Korea’s talk of revenge on the United States and this so-called new-found technology that allows them to target Guam.
I am working with Homeland Security, the Rear Admiral, and the United States to ensure our safety.
I want to reassure the people of Guam that currently there is no threat to our island or the Marianas. I spoke to Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield who confirmed this with me.
My Homeland Security Advisor who is in communications with Homeland Security and Department of Defense notes that there is no change in threat level resulting from North Korea events. HSA George Charfauros reminds us that there are several levels of defense all strategically placed to protect our island and our nation.
Additionally, I have reached out to the White House this morning. An attack or threat to Guam is a threat or attack on the United States. They have said that America will be defended.
I also want to remind national media that Guam is American soil and we have 200,000 Americans in Guam and the Marianas. We are not just a military installation.
With that said, I want to ensure that we are prepared for any eventuality. I will be convening the Unified Coordination Group, which includes myself and the Rear Admiral, to discuss the state of readiness of our military and our local first responders.
My office will continue to provide information to our community. What information we are given, we will pass it on to you.
