Concerns were aired on social media from a direct action group over the name used during the Missile Defense Agency's first-ever intercept test.

The exercise was called Slingstone. 

In response, Prutehi Guahan posting online news about the test and underlining the name of the exercise stating, "Cultural appropriation to force connections and quiet objections."

The military and the governor called the test a success in the mission to defend the island from ballistic missile attacks. 

In a statement to KUAM, the Guam National Guard states, "Operation Slingstone was named after the Åcho’ Atupat - the original missile defense system here, carried by CHamoru hunters and warriors."

The Guam Guard adding, "We’re no strangers to defending our free and open way of life, so it’s reassuring to see the whole of government come together for the defense of Guam and the Marianas."

The MDA plans to construct more than a dozen missile defense systems across the island over the next decade.