Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to Guam Thursday, reaffirming the island’s critical role in national defense and regional stability.

During his first visit to Guam as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth met with Gov. Leon Guerrero, CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios, and Guam Del. James Moylan. The leaders discussed Guam's strategic importance, the island’s patriotism and readiness, and their shared commitment to strengthening military and civilian infrastructure.

“President Trump has made it clear that our goal is to achieve peace through strength, by putting America first, but that means working with partners and allies throughout the region and in reestablishing deterrence and building capabilities right here. These islands are the tip of America’s spear in the Pacific. Guam and CNMI are vital parts of America and central to our defense mission. And I want to be very clear to everyone in this room, to the cameras: any attack against these islands is an attack against the U.S. We recognize that. We understand that. We are committed to that, and we would meet any attack with the appropriate response,” said Secretary Hegseth.

“We are not seeking war with Communist China, but it is our job to ensure that we are ready… My first platoon motto is: Those who long for peace must prepare for war. It is our responsibility as the defense department to be leaning forward and prepared. And Guam, central and vital to those preparations… Strengthening civilian infrastructure underpins the ability for military buildup, and it has to be done working together.”

Leon Guerrero echoed Guam’s patriotism and importance to national security.

“All the military buildup that is happening here, as you know, has a great impact on our people. We are the center of gravity here. We are the second island chain of defense. And we very much want to help with that preparation,” said Gov. Leon Guerrero.

She underscored a key message: National security cannot happen without human health security.

“We want to be a partner in the readiness effort. But national security cannot happen without human health security… Our island needs a regional hospital capable of handling mass casualties—whether from conflict or natural disasters. That’s why we are urging you to convene the Defense Economic Adjustment Committee to help us build that capacity,” she said.

Leon Guerrero stressed the need to harden Guam’s infrastructure, from power, water, port, and airport facilities, to withstand natural and man-made threats.

“China is not going to win this war by missiles. China is going to win this war by taking down our port, taking down our airport, taking down our water, taking down our electricity–all those things that are necessary for the defense of our people. That’s why it’s very important, Mr. Secretary,  to really invest in hardening our infrastructure. Putting our electricity underground, monitoring our water wells, and so forth,” she said.

The meeting marks Secretary Hegseth’s first visit to Guam in his current capacity and reflects growing federal attention to the Indo-Pacific region amid rising tensions. His visit included briefings with local military leaders and the Governor, reinforcing Guam’s crucial role as the cornerstone of America’s defense posture in the Pacific.