New Pacific CO faces old environmental issues

[unhappycamper]

New Pacific CO faces old environmental issues
By Audrey McAvoy - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Feb 2, 2008 7:52:35 EST

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon assumed command of the Army in the Pacific on Friday as the service faces opposition to the basing of a Stryker brigade in Hawaii and its use of Makua Valley for live-fire training.

Activists have criticized the Stryker brigade and Makua training as damaging to Hawaii’s fragile environment.

Mixon told several hundred guests and soldiers attending a change-of-command ceremony Friday that he’s committed to protecting the environment as well as training his soldiers.

“I intend to work with all concerned citizens to achieve a balance between training and our mission, to protect the environment, to protect our cultural concerns,” Mixon said. “Ideally, we can all work together for the good of our nation.”

Mixon most recently commanded the 25th Infantry Division from Schofield Barracks, home of Hawaii’s Stryker brigade, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_pacific_command_080201/