SAIPAN – Leaders from the Department of War, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, federal agencies, and community representatives gathered in Garapan, Saipan, on Sept. 24–25 for a CNMI Stakeholders Meeting aimed at reinforcing defense partnerships across the Marianas.
The two-day session highlighted DoW’s commitment to the islands and outlined projects ranging from military construction to biosecurity and community engagement.
Officials reported that the Tinian Divert Airfield Project is nearly 80 percent complete, with final work expected in 2027. Updates also covered the Marpo Heights Road Project, new warehouse and support structures at Camp Tinian, and proposed construction at Saipan International Airport. The U.S. Air Force is also conducting environmental analysis for potential upgrades to Rota International Airport, including an apron extension and fuels facility.
DoW representatives addressed concerns over unexploded ordnance, hazardous materials, and invasive species, and announced upcoming training missions, including an Innovative Readiness Training medical wellness program. They also confirmed the arrival of Navy Seabees on Saipan in August to support ongoing and future projects.
Economic opportunities were also in focus. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas proposed transferring leadership of future Industry Days to the CNMI Small Business Development Center to better connect local businesses with federal contracts.
U.S. Pacific Fleet updated stakeholders on progress with the Mariana Islands Testing and Training Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, with completion expected in early 2026. The U.S. Marine Corps is reviewing public comments on the CNMI Joint Military Training EIS regarding proposed land-based ground and aviation operations on Tinian.
CNMI Gov. David Apatang welcomed attendees and underscored the islands’ strategic role. “We’re the first line of defense for the United States of America,” he said. “We are with the military, we are with the United States, and we want to see our Commonwealth move forward.”
Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander of Joint Task Force–Micronesia, and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, commander of Joint Region Marianas, both emphasized cooperation and community engagement as military activities expand in the CNMI. Other officials present included Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, and senior leaders from the Air Force and Marine Corps.
Following the Saipan meetings, officials hosted a public session at the Bar-K in Tinian to provide updates and answer community questions.
The Stakeholders Meeting, established to coordinate CNMI defense and development activities, will convene again later this year.
PC: U.S. Navy photos by William J. Busby III
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Edward Camacho, special assistant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands governor for military affairs, speaks to Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies during a CNMI Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Commander, Joint Task Force – Micronesia U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, center, provides opening remarks during the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies met for the quarterly meeting to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, commander, Joint Region Marianas, provides opening remarks during the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies met for the quarterly meeting to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies meet for a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – Edward Camacho, special assistant to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands governor for military affairs, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – Tinian community members speak with Department of War officials and military leaders during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – Don Farrell, historian and Tinian community member asks questions to Department of War officials and military leaders during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Spencer Bull, Region Officer in Charge of Construction director for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Oceania, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Spencer Bull, Region Officer in Charge of Construction director for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Oceania, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – James Balocki, executive director, Marine Corps Installations Command, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – Randy Sablan, political military advisor to the commanders of Joint Region Marianas and Joint Task Force – Micronesia, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. The meeting followed the conclusion of the quarterly Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan and gave residents the opportunity to learn about and discuss DoW projects and their impact on the community. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Commander, Joint Task Force – Micronesia U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, center, speaks with participants following the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies met for the quarterly meeting to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. David M. Apatang discusses civil-military partnership during the CNMI Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies met for the quarterly meeting to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) – U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Spencer Bull, Region Officer in Charge of Construction director for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Oceania, speaks with Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies during the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss ongoing and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Congressional Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds provides opening remarks during the CNMI Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies met for the quarterly meeting to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) Randy Sablan, political military advisor to the commanders of Joint Region Marianas and Joint Task Force – Micronesia, speaks with Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies during the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss ongoing and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies meet for a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 25, 2025) — Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies meet for a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. The quarterly meeting’s aim is to share information and discuss current and future DoW projects in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by William J. Busby III)
