‘Guam is a target today.’ Pacific chief pitches Aegis Ashore to Congress March 9 Security forces airmen patrol near a U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer taxiway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Dec. 26, 2020. (Senior Airman Tristan Day/Air Force) WASHINGTON ― Warning that China’s missile arsenal threatens Guam and the United States will have to “fight for it,” the head of Indo-Pacific Command pitched lawmakers on building an Aegis Ashore missile defense facility to guard the U.S. territory. Adm. Phil Davidson told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the island needs protection as the home of 170,000 U.S. citizens and service members, a deepwater strategic port, fuel and munition stores and an airfield used to project U.S. power. Guam would be key to responding to any conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.