Andersen Air Force Base
Andersen Air Force Base PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Rowland Ball served as a B-29 Superfortress navigator during the tail end of World War II. He flew 27 missions out of Guam and left soon after the war ended. After 71 years, the 91-year-old received the opportunity to come back to Andersen Air Force Base, known as Northfield in 1945, and share...
Andersen Air Force Base was established in 1944 on the northern plateau of Guam as a strategic airfield for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Its original mission supported long-range bombing missions against Japan, providing a critical launch point for B-29 Superfortress operations.
The base’s location allowed U.S. forces to project air power deep into enemy territory, making it a vital asset in the Pacific Theater.
Construction and expansion occurred rapidly during and after WWII. U.S. Navy Seabees and Army engineers built the airfield, initially called North Field. In 1949, it was renamed Andersen Air Force Base to honor Brigadier General James Roy Andersen.
The base underwent significant upgrades during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, including runway extensions and new facilities to accommodate larger aircraft and increased operations.
Throughout the Cold War, Andersen AFB played a major role in U.S. deterrence strategy. It hosted Strategic Air Command bombers and refueling aircraft, serving as a forward base for nuclear-capable B-52s and KC-135 tankers.
During the Vietnam War, Andersen AFB became a hub for Operation Arc Light, launching sustained bombing campaigns over Southeast Asia.
Today, Andersen AFB remains a critical node in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. It supports rotational deployments of bombers, fighters, and surveillance aircraft, and serves as a key logistics and humanitarian hub for the region.
The base has not undergone any significant official name changes since its 1949 renaming, and it continues to play a central role in regional security and disaster response.
Namesake
General Andersen tragically lost his life in 1945 when his aircraft disappeared over the Pacific while en route to Hawaii. The base was named in his honor in 1949 to recognize his leadership and sacrifice in advancing U.S. air power in the region.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft flies in the sky during training exercise in Naval Base Guam, Guam, Dec. 3, 2024. Landing Zone Safety Officers survey and prepare landing zones for aircraft operations for C-130s and C-17s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adasha Williams)
Major Units
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25)
HSC-25 provides combat-ready rotary-wing logistics, search and rescue, and special warfare support for U.S. Navy and joint operations in the Indo-Pacific region. It is the only forward-deployed Navy helicopter squadron in the area.
Commander, Task Force 75 (CTF 75)
CTF 75 serves as the primary expeditionary task force for the U.S. Navy in the 7th Fleet, providing command and control for Naval Expeditionary Forces including EOD, diving, and construction units.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Detachment Guam (NMCB Det Guam)
This detachment of the Seabees provides construction, engineering, and contingency support for Navy and joint operations throughout the Western Pacific.
Training Schools
HSC-25 Search and Rescue Training
Overview
Provides advanced rotary-wing search and rescue training for squadron personnel, focusing on maritime and expeditionary environments.
Course Length
2-4 weeks (varies by qualification)
Who Attends
HSC-25 aircrew and rescue swimmers
Arrival & In-Processing
The 36th Security Forces Squadron pass and identification team pose for a group photo at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 29, 2023. Since Jan. 5, 2023, the team worked on getting a Defense Biometric Identifications System upgrade to bolster the efficiency of data processing, gate entry and...
Welcome to Andersen Air Force Base, your gateway to service in Guam. Arriving well-prepared ensures a smooth check-in and transition for you and your family. Review all requirements before arrival to avoid delays. For more details, visit the official Andersen AFB website.
The Main Gate at Andersen Air Force Base is the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The Main Gate operates 24/7 to support arrivals at any hour. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or DoD-approved credential. State driver's licenses must comply with the REAL ID Act—non-compliant IDs require a secondary form of identification. Security forces conduct 100% ID checks and may perform random vehicle inspections. Expect a high security posture at all times. To obtain visitor or family member passes, report to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) just outside the Main Gate with your guest and required documents. Sponsors must be present for guest access.
-
PCS Orders (multiple copies)
-
Military ID/CAC
-
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
-
Birth Certificates for dependents
-
Social Security Cards
-
Vehicle Registration & Insurance
-
Medical/Dental Records
-
Immunization Records
Andersen AFB offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Request a sponsor by contacting your gaining unit directly or through your unit's administrative office. Many units assign sponsors automatically, but if you have not been contacted, reach out as soon as possible for assistance.
Formal in-processing takes place at the Welcome Center, located near the Main Gate. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday, 0800–1600. Key steps include check-in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 days, depending on your arrival time and required briefings. Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate at Andersen Air Force Base. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 0700–1600, and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships. Sponsors must accompany their guests to the VCC for pass issuance.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Then-Pfc. Justin Enzenbacher, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, places his pub Ludo into his car for a ride in April 2022. Taking steps to prepare for a long road trip associated with a permanent change of station can reduce stress during a PCS move. (Photo by Ethan Steinquest)
When you receive PCS orders to Andersen Air Force Base, act fast. Contact your local Transportation Office to start your move in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). You can choose a government-arranged Household Goods (HHG) shipment or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move. Each move type has different requirements and reimbursement processes—review your options in DPS before deciding.
You are eligible for key entitlements, including Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA). TLE helps cover lodging costs while you secure permanent housing. DLA helps offset relocation costs not covered by other allowances. Use the official PDTATAC site to check current rates and entitlements.
DPS is your main tool for scheduling moves, tracking shipments, and managing claims. Log in early to upload orders, schedule pick-up and delivery, and communicate with your moving company. For local questions, contact the Andersen AFB Transportation Office.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining unit as soon as orders drop.
- Keep hard copies and digital backups of all PCS orders and important documents.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Label boxes clearly with your name and new address.
- Take photos of high-value items before pack-out.
- Book temporary lodging on base early; space fills up fast at Andersen.
- Contact the base vet clinic for pet import requirements if bringing animals.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your PCS move.
Find official rates for DLA, TLE, and other PCS entitlements.
Guidance and checklists for every stage of your move.
Base-specific arrival information and contacts.
Estimate your Dislocation Allowance for your PCS.
Schools & Childcare
Image Unavailable