Huffman: Chinese expansion throughout the region possibly largest threat to global order

Gregory Huffman

China’s expansion throughout the Pacific area is probably the biggest threat to global order, according to newly-installed Joint Region Marianas commander Rear Adm. Gregory C. Huffman on Monday.

Speaking to reporters soon after guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn docked at the Port of Saipan for a port call, Huffman said that everybody who has been following the issue for a number of years has come to that realization—that the Chinese expansion is also probably the biggest threat to the rules-based order that everyone must adhere to, which is critical to the free flow of goods for commerce and economic development.

“Absolutely, that’s the biggest threat that we face at this point and that is something that we will continue to work with our allies throughout the region and…with the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” said Huffman.

Huffman himself accompanied Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang in a tour aboard USS John Finn Monday afternoon as they welcomed the vessel’s commanding officer, Matthew Hays, and its crew to Saipan.

Huffman’s predecessor, Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson also affirmed in an interview last April that the People’s Republic of China has been increasing its activities throughout Micronesia and that they are closely watching it.

Huffman said the support of the civilians in this region to the military has been fantastic. “I’ve been in the area for about a month now, and every single person I have met has been so welcoming and I know that the people of Saipan have been incredibly welcoming to the crew of the John Finn,” he said.

Huffman said it just show how closely interlinked they are, how they rely upon each other, and how “we are all part of one team in one nation.”

Speaking about the ongoing divert airfield project on Tinian, Huffman said they continue to work closely with the CNMI community as they move forward on that project.

“I don’t have any other specific updates on that at this time, but it is on track and moving forward,” he said.

The Tinian divert airfield construction project is composed of two phases—Phase 1 is airfield development and Phase 2 involves a parking apron. The divert airfield will allow the U.S. Air Force to use Tinian as an alternative landing site for its planes in case Anderson Air Base in Guam is inaccessible due to war or calamities.

In his Liberation Day message, Huffman said the resilient people of this community who are from all cultural backgrounds have had a hand in the liberation, growth, and stability of this region.

“The sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines serving honorably in our Pacific homeland are grateful to celebrate alongside each of you,” he said.

Huffman said that Joint Region Marianas celebrates alongside the CNMI this Liberation Day.

“May our Pacific homelands be safeguarded, and let us continue to forge a stronger community and region together as we enjoy a free and open Indo-Pacific for generations to come,” he said.

Huffman officially took command of Joint Region Marianas, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and Task Force West last June 21. He is now the senior military official of the U.S. Pacific Command in the CNMI, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.

Huffman is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He earned a Master of Arts in History from the University of Maryland in 1989 and a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee in 2000.

Huffman flew combat missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He received many personal awards and was named the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic F/A-18 Pilot of the Year for 1996, and won the Mike Longardt Leadership Award in 2001.