The United States Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has offered assurances that Guam's defences will continue to be bolstered against North Korean missile threats.
An Air Force B-2 Spirit taxis on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 8, 2018. Photo: Supplied/US Dept of Defense
Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo called for an update on protection plans from Mr Mattis at the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.
Guam is the US' western most territory and home to American airforce and naval bases.
At the hearing Ms Bordallo asked if Guam was adequately defended given the ongoing threats from North Korea.
Mr Mattis said beside the defence system on Guam, US navy ships carrying the AEGIS weapons system were on standby in the vicinity.
"We also have several of those ships in Japanese waters right now and they can move back and forth to include coverage of Guam in the mobile way that comes to our navy. But we are looking at all the systems to include Aegis to shore as we look toward the future protection of our Pacific area."
Ms Bordallo said she appreciated the secretary's comments and would continue working in Congress and with the Department of Defense to keep Guam safe.
