A man with missions: Navy under secretary shares road ahead

BY MAUREEN N. MARATITA
Journal Staff

Readers may be familiar with the timelines we are reprinting with this story, which show how the peak of military construction has stretched out.

Undersecretary of the Navy Erik K. Raven told the Journal on May 2, “The reason these timelines are important is it’s based on the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. In my role as under secretary of the Navy — making sure the Navy and Marine Corps team are able to field capabilities throughout the Indo Pacific region — it’s one of the key priorities that the Secretary of the Navy has.”

Recognizing Guam as a strategic hub, Raven said, “Guam is a place that we expect to fight for and fight from if there is a conflict. But really the job of the Navy and the Marine Corps is to deter conflict and keep our commitment to the rules based international order.

“With respect to the construction, the deputy secretary of defense about four months ago recognized that there was a need for additional coordination not only among the Navy and Marine Corps but with our sister services — the Army and the Air Force — as well as other components of the Department of Defense that have a presence here in Guam, to make sure that we have an integrated plan for achieving the capabilities that we need on Guam.”

Raven said Congress has been “incredibly supportive with not only the funding of what we need to accomplish — the Department of Defense presence on Guam — but also [with] certain authorities.”

He also noted that James C. Moylan, Guam’s delegate to Congress “has personally helped push forward new authorities to make sure we have the workforce we need to achieve the construction goals.”

At present Raven said, “I’m taking these partnerships and trying to expand [them] within the Department of Defense to make sure that all services and all components of the Department of Defense have solid plans that meet the priorities for a joint force to establish the capabilities we need on Guam.”

Raven said numerous initiatives that relate to Guam are being worked on.

“The first is of course making sure that the Marine Corps realignment and Camp Blaz is built out in a timely and effective manner.”

In January, Raven visited Camp Blaz and said he was impressed with the progress there. “There’s a variety of other capabilities from additional maintenance capabilities at our submarine base to warehouses at Andersen Air Force Base that are being worked on. And of course, the Guam Defense System is a key priority. What these all add up to is adding to the Department of Defense’s capabilities in the region. This is really an integrated plan to make sure all our service members who have a presence on Guam have what they need to do their mission.”

That can extend from warehouses to adequate housing, he said.

“Whether it’s quality of life or support for our operational forces — how that comes together, really relates to my duties as the senior defense official for Guam.”


Raven also praised “Joint Region Marianas for “essentially creating a tool that can look at all the construction projects that are in the pipeline, recognizing which ones have to be sequenced, which ones depend on which. We are in the process of making sure that all the other services and components on DoD have the right input and access to that, so we can make smart budgetary decisions on how to move all these capabilities forward in an integrated way.”

As to moving the cheese in the construction timeline, the under secretary said, “We are moving the Department of Defense to a data-driven approach to all sorts of questions. I can’t get ahead of future budget requests, but we know what the challenges are in terms of making sure that we try to field the best capabilities, as well as the best quality of life for our servicemembers as quickly as possible. … I would note that Guam is a source of many service members. Raven met with members of the Guam National Guard on his last visit, he said. “I want to thank the people of Guam for not only for their service in the armed forces, but their broad support of the women and men that serve here … .”

The under secretary is also thankful to Congress for extending the H-2B waiver through 2029. “It’s sometimes a challenge to get things done in Washington, and I think a lot of people were expecting that we’d have a one- or two-year waiver, but when Congress approved this H-2B waiver it was really a win for the Department of Defense. … It allows us to go work with construction companies who could now have a better site picture on what they need to do to plan for all the construction that’s in work.”

Recognizing the amount of work that still lies ahead, Raven said, “What we are going to do is continually assess what needs to be done in the right order to get that integrated capability together. … If there is one thing that we still need to work on it’s some near term issues.” Those relate to the impact of Typhoon Mawar in May 2023. “There’s continuing impacts all across the island. I know the people of Guam still feel those impacts and our servicemembers do as well,” he said.

He has been working “to try and accelerate efforts to get supplemental funding to restore some of the damage to DoD facilities — particularly Anderson — and I would also highlight the glass breakwater down at Apra Harbor. That’s a key capability, not only for the operations of the Naval base but for the commercial port as well.”

“I’ve had numerous interactions with members of Congress and their staff to tell the story of why partnerships on projects like that — the glass breakwater, are important not only for military capabilities, but for resilience on Guam.” He said the conversation is a cross-party one. “I’ve talked with both Democrats, Republicans and leading staff members on key committees, and I think there’s a good understanding of why it’s so important to move these projects forward.”

Nevertheless, he said, “We’re not going to stand still in terms of addressing these challenges for that funding to come through. We’re going to do as best as we can to make the resources available to make sure that we can continue to make progress for emergency funding for typhoon recovery for the armed services. It’s going to be a continuing need.”

As senior defense official, Raven said he has two responsibilities. “I’m really focused on installations in Guam and making sure that those can move forward. In my ‘day job’ as under secretary of the Navy, the whole Indo-Pacific region is incredibly important for the Navy and Marine Corps.”

While the Navy and Marine Corps is America’s forward deployed force and has a clear role in deterrence and more, Raven said “working with the Air Force, there’s opportunities on Yap, Tinian and many others to invest and gain some critical capabilities. The Indo-Pacific command under the leadership of Adm. Aquilino — and very soon Adm. [Samuel] Paparo — has really been a leading voice in reaching out to allies and partners and exploring with all of them how we can best secure our vision for partnership in this challenging era.”

Since his appointment in January, Raven told the Journal he has not only been working with the leadership of the government of Guam but interested members of Congress and people inside the Pentagon “to make sure we can best position our armed forces to protect and operate from Guam. I view those responsibilities in two main categories: to work the Pentagon processes to make sure that we’re aligned correctly with the right resources and right strategies to accomplish what we need to do on Guam to build our military capabilities.

“The second role is to be a communicator. There are many organizations throughout the Department of Defense that have some impact on Guam and its people. I view my role as trying to elevate that conversation to make connections across the leadership of Guam with the right officials in the Department of Defense to make sure that we’re communicating as we tackle tough challenges together.”
While there is work on infrastructure in Tinian, Raven said, “I’m not expecting a permanent presence such as Guam. But any opportunity to expand with allies and partners throughout the region adds not only to our security, but to their security as well.”

As to relations in the islands, Raven said what he has learned in his previous and current roles is, “Defending our nation’s a team sport. And there are a lot of hands that can really add value and capability.”
While the Navy and Marine Corps are forward deployed, he said, “Wherever there is a critical region, we have our sailors and marines there to make sure we can secure peace and maintain deterrence, but there’s a lot of other partners. The National Guard is an incredible resource to better integrate our capabilities with our friends across the world to make sure that we’re mutually securing the ideals that we hold together.”
There are always opportunities to expand partnerships, the under secretary said.

“Just this week leaders of the FSM have been engaged in a conference with Adm. Huffman to discuss how we cooperate together. I had a chance to meet with some of these leaders last night, and it was really a great example of how open dialogue and coordination on matters of mutual concern can produce good benefits.”

Raven said the same process takes place around the world, no matter what the region. “But the Indo Pacific is the region where our national defense strategy directs us to be most ready, and so we’re focusing a lot of effort on working with our allies and partners, wherever these opportunities arise — and sometimes creating opportunities.”

“The capabilities of NAVFAC, especially here on Guam, aligned with Joint Region Marianas are an incredibly important capability,” he said. “Joint Region Marianas has responsibility for installations and support of our service members in quality of life and quality of service roles, but we are taking a team-based approach. Secretary Berger, the assistant secretary for installations and environment is a leading voice and comes with incredible enthusiasm to make sure that the Department of the Navy is aligned on making sure we have projects moving forward. I work with Secretary Berger every day.” The bigger team includes Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, incoming commander of the Indo Pacific command Adm. Paparo. “We are all contributing what we need to in terms of views, priorities and very importantly resources to make sure that NAVFAC has what they need and the strategic guidance that they need to accomplish its mission.”

While there are barriers to getting things done, Raven said. “That’s why the processes are coordinated and are all moving in the right direction together.”

As to whether there is a timeline or short-term goals, Raven said, “The work is underway, and I think that there may be near term opportunities to accelerate some work.” With the H-2B waiver in place, Raven said, “We’re working with construction companies and others to increase the throughput of what we can do. While there’s a lot of work that lies ahead of us, there may be opportunities to look at acceleration of projects in the nearer term.”

Lack of workforce was the key barrier to construction moving faster, he said. “We’re going to continue to work with our contracting partners to make sure that they’re able to hire the labor that we need to move things forward, but Guam is a strategic hub for so many capabilities. The process of implementing all that we need to support our service members on Guam is not something that’s going to end at a certain date. It will be a continual effort,” he said.

As to Joint Task Force Micronesia, the under secretary said, “You couldn’t have a finer leader to take on that mission that Adm. Huffman, indicating not only his capabilities to lead, but his integrity and his vision for the region.” The two are “in close coordination on a range of important matters,” Raven said. “This is a more operational role than he’s previously had, and the elevation of those operational duties is a direct result of Adm. Aquilino and INDOPACOM identifying the need for elevated leadership on some of these issues.”

As Huffman moves to lead the Joint Task Force, his successor has been appointed: Rear Adm. Michael B. Devore.

Having a joint task force could lead to better coordination with the Government of Guam on disaster relief and a federal response to times of crisis, he said. The task force plays a regional role, also. “It’s going to be growing; it’ll grow to approximately 50 or so. It’s going to be a force multiplier with those individuals focused on the operational mission. We’ll be able to elevate their game to the next level.”

Raven said the implementation is an opportunity for people on Guam. “As we expand our capabilities on the island, there’s economic opportunity in that as well.”

His role at the Navy is described as “chief operating officer” and “chief management officer.” As such he has been given three priorities by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro: to maintain the Navy’s maritime dominance, to build a culture of war fighting excellence, and building partnerships. “Sometimes that means building partnerships with the defense industry to field the capabilities that we need on cost and on time, and many times that means carrying out what he likes to call ‘Naval diplomacy,’ going to our allies and partners where they are to explain why the United States role as a maritime nation is important not only for our national security, but for our national prosperity as well.”

The undersecretary keeps in close contact with Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, who he meets when she is in Washington, and Lt. Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio. “I’m really encouraged by the positive relationship with both the governor and the lieutenant governor. We’re dealing with a lot of tough issues and its good to have great partners.”

Raven has an meaningful family connection with Guam. “My grandfather was a Seebee in World War II. He spent almost a year and a half on Guam and in fact one of his proud accomplishments from that time was helping to construct the original Nimitz House.” Raven said it was an important time for his grandfather, who was proud to serve his country. “I find it very interesting that another Raven is coming to Guam to help work on construction projections that really tie in with our national security.” His family has photos and mementos and the diary from his grandfather’s time on Guam.

Raven holds a master’s degree in the history of International Relations from the London School of Economics, and a bachelor of arts degree in International Relations from Connecticut College.

He was the principal advisor to the Democratic chairs and vice-chairs of the Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Defense on budget matters relating to the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Raven also served as a principal advisor in the offices of Senators Feinstein, Kennedy, and Byrd, advising on defense, foreign affairs, homeland security, veterans, space, and transportation policy issues.

“Despite what you read in the headlines about Washington, D.C., I’ve been incredibly blessed during my time as a Congressional staffer and work across the aisles to solve hard problems. I wouldn’t consider that a career in politics; I think it’s a career in public service, and as I carried through those responsibilities to review and help shape the defense budget, it really I believe set me up well for my current position — looking after dollars and cents and making programs more effective is what defined my career on Capitol Hill and taking those same lessons and trying to put them to work … every day,” he said.

His time on Capitol Hill as a staffer was rewarding and led him to work with a variety of senators, who helped guide his career but also instilled important lessons, he said.

One mentor was the late Sen. Daniel K, Inoue of Hawaii. “I worked for him for about six years on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, reviewing defense budgets and making recommendations to him.”

Raven has much to say on Inoue’s inspiration and affect on his own aims. “It’s not just his integrity and his lessons that I carry with me, but really his views on the Indo-Pacific, deepening American ties with so many nations, who share the same commitment to peace and security in this region.” mbj