Military Bases in Guam
Helping military families thrive in Guam.
Navy Bases
Andersen Air Force Base
Located in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
Andersen Air Force Base in Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, is a key U.S. Air Force installation in the Pacific. Known for its strategic bomber presence and rapid global mobility missions, the base supports rotational deployments and joint training.
Guam’s Pacific Power Projection Hub
For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Guam, Andersen Air Force Base in Yigo and Naval Base Guam in Santa Rita are strategic installations forming Joint Region Marianas, a Navy-led command. Andersen supports air operations with bombers, while Naval Base Guam hosts submarines and fleet logistics. This guide to military bases in Guam offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in this Pacific paradise.
Historical Foundations
Guam’s military history intensified during World War II. Andersen Air Force Base, established in 1944 as North Field after U.S. forces liberated Guam from Japanese occupation, was built by Navy Seabees to support B-29 Superfortress operations against Japan. Named for Brigadier General James Roy Andersen, killed in 1945, it became a Strategic Air Command hub. Naval Base Guam, constructed in 1944 on Apra Harbor’s Orote Peninsula, served as a fleet anchorage during the Pacific War. Both bases expanded during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, solidifying Guam’s role as a U.S. military stronghold.
Economic Impact
Guam’s bases contribute over $1.5 billion annually, employing 12,000 personnel. Andersen Air Force Base, spanning 20,000 acres, generates $800 million and 6,000 jobs in Yigo and Dededo, supporting northern Guam’s economy. Naval Base Guam, covering 4,100 acres, adds $700 million and 5,000 jobs in Santa Rita and Apra Harbor, boosting southern Guam. Families access 2,000 housing units, DoDEA schools (e.g., Guam High School), and TRICARE clinics at Naval Hospital Guam. MWR programs, like 2025 Tumon beach festivals and Andersen’s Tarague Beach dives, enrich community life.
Key Military Facilities
Andersen Air Force Base (Yigo): Hosts the 36th Wing, supporting B-52, B-1B, and B-2 bombers, with 6,000 personnel and the Air Force’s largest fuel storage.
Naval Base Guam (Santa Rita): Home to Submarine Squadron 15 and Coast Guard Sector Guam, supporting Virginia-class submarines and fleet logistics, with 5,000 personnel.
Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (Dededo): A reactivated base for 5,000 Marines, focusing on regional expeditionary operations, with 1,000 personnel.
Coast Guard Sector Guam (Apra Harbor): Oversees maritime safety with cutters like USCGC Myrtle Hazard, with 300 personnel.
Strategic Importance
Guam’s bases are vital for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s power projection. Andersen Air Force Base, one of four global Bomber Forward Operating Locations, supports 1,500 annual bomber missions, with 2024 upgrades enhancing B-52 and B-2 readiness. Its proximity to Farallon de Medinilla Island, 184 miles north, offers unmatched training airspace. Naval Base Guam’s Submarine Squadron 15 maintains four Virginia-class submarines, conducting 200 regional patrols yearly, with USS Minnesota’s 2024 arrival marking the first forward-deployed Virginia-class sub. Camp Blaz trains 5,000 Marines for rapid response, while Coast Guard Sector Guam ensures port security. These bases ensure regional stability despite unconfirmed 2024 security concerns.
Notable Distinctions
Andersen Air Force Base, the only Western Pacific base permanently servicing U.S. strategic bombers, boasts the Air Force’s largest munitions depot. Naval Base Guam, nicknamed “The Pacific Supermarket,” supports 28 tenant commands and is home to USS Frank Cable. The bases offer 2,000 housing units, DoDEA schools, and MWR events like 2025 Chamorro fiestas, fostering communities in Guam’s tropical landscapes. In 2024, Andersen’s civil engineers collaborated with Guam’s government to address stray dog populations, enhancing base-community relations.
U.S. service members on PCS to Guam or TDY in Guam will find mission-critical roles and vibrant communities at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam. From Yigo’s coral reefs to Santa Rita’s Chamorro heritage, Guam’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable cultural experiences for military families.