Rear Adm. Brett Mietus officially takes command of Joint Region Marianas (JRM) on May 29, succeeding Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, who departs after a shorter tour than expected. Mietus, a naval flight officer, said his first 30 days would focus on listening and learning before making any major changes.
"No need for me to break anything here," Mietus told reporters during a 30-minute media roundtable at JRM headquarters on Tuesday. "I'll listen and learn for about 30 days and then figure out where to make tweaks and adjustments."
The leadership transition comes as the U.S. military faces heightened scrutiny. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report criticized the Department of Defense (DoD) for its lack of coordination in Guam's missile defense planning, housing shortfalls, and a failure to adequately support the local infrastructure it increasingly depends on.
"$5 billion in active construction"
DeVore, who assumed command in 2023, reflected on his time in Guam by highlighting three strategic priorities: typhoon Mawar recovery, the continued development of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and the future Guam Defense System.
Currently, there are more than 70 active military construction projects underway across Guam, and a total of nearly $5 billion in investment of military-related projects across the Marianas region. DeVore called it a sign of the region's growing strategic significance to the U.S.
"This is the farthest west of the American homeland," DeVore said. "There is recognized investment by the U.S. government of the importance of this area."
Among the largest efforts: rebuilding the Glass Breakwater damaged by Typhoon Mawar, repairing housing and energy infrastructure, and modernizing missile defense systems beyond the decade-old THAAD battery stationed in Guam.
GAO scrutiny and housing pressures
A recent GAO report noted that the DoD has no clearly defined leadership overseeing Guam's missile defense and long-term infrastructure planning, a concern raised by KPRG during the roundtable.
When asked who holds ultimate responsibility, DeVore acknowledged it's "a simple question with a complicated answer." Construction will be handled by Naval Facilities Command Marianas, while operational control will involve the U.S. Army's 94th Air and Missile Defense Command and the Missile Defense Agency. The Air Force is also expected to play a regional role in coordinating missile threat responses.
The GAO also warned that military expansion has strained Guam's already limited housing supply. DeVore outlined several efforts to address that, including densifying existing on-base housing, revitalizing the Apra Palms area for family use, and evaluating commercial partnerships to use underutilized tourism properties for military needs.
"We welcome the oversight," DeVore said. "We've got to be as smart and resourceful and pragmatic and practical where we can in the use of limited and precious taxpayer money."
Building trust — on and off base
Mietus emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships with Guam's civilian leadership and communities, saying local integration is critical to the success of military personnel and their families.
"What I've experienced here, getting a chance to meet the governor last week, getting a chance to go out and have dinner at a restaurant, getting a chance to walk around, the people have been warm. They've been inviting, they've been helpful," said Mietus. "Foundationally, this is a place that should resonate in people's souls."
Both Mietus and DeVore referenced active partnerships with Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and the civil-military coordinating committee as key to addressing shared challenges, especially around housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
What's next
The Guam Defense System remains under review, with the final Environmental Impact Statement due later this summer. A formal record of decision is expected in August, which will determine the timeline and scope of future installations.
