CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Two more major contracts were awarded this week in preparation for moving 8,600 Okinawa Marines to Guam, the Navy said Friday.

The contracts clear the way for improvements to Naval Base Guam that will allow berthing of an amphibious ready group, and various design and engineering work related to the U.S. realignment in the Pacific.

The wharf improvements at Apra Harbor will cost $86 million and will be performed by Guam MACC Builders, a Hawaii firm. The design and engineering work will cost $100 million and be done by the joint venture company Jacobs/B&M of California.

“Some of the wharves date from 1945, when the Naval Operating Base was first built to support the fleet,” Capt. Richard Wood, commanding officer, Naval Base Guam, said in a news release. “While the wharves have had minor improvements over the years to keep them serviceable, many are in need of complete renovation to meet the needs of 21st century ships and their operations.”

On Thursday, the Navy said it had issued the first contract directly related to the Guam buildup, which will result in a new military working dog kennel.

The island is slated to receive the Marines and new facilities for visiting aircraft carriers by 2014.

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