By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

Capt. Kenneth Branch, Commander of the Navy Region Marianas Regional Engineer said that the United States is now in the process of building military facilities in anticipation of the transfer of U.S. troops to Okinawa, Japan to Guam.
Branch yesterday briefed Palau leaders and members of the private sector on the transfer of the troops by 2014.
Branch when queried if they plan to have an outpost in Palau by Vice President Elias Camsek Chin, said they haven’t looked at the aspect of building military facilities outside of Guam.
Branch was in Palau to brief the leaders on the possible trickle down effect on the move of the troops to Guam.
Earlier President Remengesau invited Rear Admiral Charles Leidig , Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Marianas to discuss the impacts of troop increases in the region.
Branch held the briefing in behalf of Leidig who said that the move could have an indirect economic benefit to the region.
Branch also said that the U.S. is also looking at all viable alternatives when asked by President Remengesau whether America can exercise the option of a military facility under the Compact of Free Association with Palau.