U.S. ARMY GARRISON-KWAJALEIN ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS - Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general of U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, visited U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll Wednesday to hold a town hall meeting for command staff, active duty personnel, Army civilians and contractors. This was Mann's third visit to USAG-KA since taking over as commanding general in August 2013. Mann emphasized three main issues at the meeting: budget, transition and future operations.
USAG-KA Commander Col. Nestor Sadler introduced Mann to attendees and encouraged them to voice their questions and concerns so that Mann could better understand what is needed for mission support. "He is an advocate for everything that we do here," Sadler said.
Mann stepped up on the stage at Corlett Recreation Center Room 6 and said, "The reason why I come out here is because of the strategic nature of the mission that you all execute here day in and day out." He said he gets more calls from senior leaders about USAG-KA than he does about any other installation. The base has been on his mind a lot during the past year, he added. He reassured everyone that USAG-KA has a bright future as an important component of the Army defense mission.
"Kwaj is going to be open for many, many years to come," Mann said. "Let me say that again: Kwajalein Atoll, this installation, this operation, is going to be with us for many, many years."
Mann had the opportunity to express concerns about USAG-KA recently to the chief of staff of the Army, including the topics of infrastructure, life support and sensor capabilities. His efforts over the past year have paid off, and USAG-KA is finally seeing funding added to the installation.
There was a recent committee discussion regarding 2017-2021 MILCON project monies. The Kwajalein Hospital was selected as a funded project. The decision still needs to go to the secretary of the Army and to the chief of staff, but it is a good sign that the vice chief of staff of the Army is on board with the project, Mann said. "It's not here yet, but we're making some significant progress."
Mann said that he doesn't foresee any significant downsizing at this installation, if any. In fact, many positions that have remained vacant in the past are now being filled.
Other positive news regarding the installation included the recent groundbreaking of the Air Force's Space Fence operation here at USAG-KA.
"The strategic nature of what you're doing here is reflected in the … Space Fence operation ongoing here," Mann said.
A question and answer session was held, and Mann answered two questions regarding sequestration and Community Activities programs here at USAG-KA.
In regards to sequestration, Mann said, "I don't feel real confident that we're going to see significant deviations from sequestration." Mann said the impacts from sequestration will be felt in 2016. The major impact will be on active duty forces and training.
Kwajalein Range Services President Cynthia Rivera raised a question about non-appropriated funds related to Community Activities here at USAG-KA. Mann has talked to USAG-KA Command about the issue, but doesn't have a solution yet. Mann said that sometimes the Army will take programs that work well at all other Army installations and try to make them work at unique installations like Kwajalein, but they don't necessarily succeed. Mann requested Rivera, fellow contractors and command staff to brainstorm how senior leaders can help support the installation on the issue. "We're going to have to be part of the solution," he said.
The town hall ended with an awards presentation for six local residents.
Mann departed Thursday to head first to Guam and then Japan.
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