Naval Base Guam

Overview

Naval Base Guam (NBG) is a strategic U.S. naval base located on the island of Guam in the Western Pacific. It is one of the few U.S. military installations in the Pacific region, providing essential support to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and other U.S. and allied forces operating in the Asia-Pacific region. The base is home to various tenant commands, including the Submarine Squadron 15, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, and the Coastal Riverine Group 1 Detachment Guam, among others.

Aerial view of Naval Base Guam showing its harbor and surrounding facilities.

History

The history of Naval Base Guam dates back to the Spanish-American War in 1898 when the U.S. took control of Guam from Spain. The U.S. established a coaling station on the island, which later evolved into a naval base. During World War II, Guam was captured by Japanese forces in December 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The U.S. recaptured Guam in 1944, and the island became a significant base for the U.S. Navy in the final stages of the war. Post-war, the base continued to serve as a strategic outpost during the Cold War, and it remains a critical component of U.S. defense strategy in the Pacific.

Geography

Naval Base Guam is located on the western side of Guam, the largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands chain. The base occupies a significant portion of Apra Harbor, one of the best deep-water ports in the Pacific. The base's location provides strategic access to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, making it a critical hub for U.S. naval operations in the region.

Facilities and Operations

Naval Base Guam hosts a variety of facilities to support its mission. These include a ship repair facility, a submarine base, an airfield, and various administrative, housing, and recreational facilities. The base's operations encompass a wide range of naval activities, including submarine and surface ship operations, aviation operations, logistics, and maintenance.

Tenant Commands

Several important U.S. Navy commands are based at Naval Base Guam. These include the Submarine Squadron 15, the only forward-deployed submarine squadron in the U.S. Navy, and the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, which provides search and rescue, logistics, and anti-surface warfare support in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. Other tenant commands include the Coastal Riverine Group 1 Detachment Guam, which provides maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Role in U.S. Defense Strategy

Naval Base Guam plays a vital role in U.S. defense strategy. Its strategic location allows the U.S. to project power into the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, and it serves as a forward-deployed hub for U.S. naval forces. The base supports the U.S. Navy's pivot to the Pacific, a strategic shift that reflects the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in U.S. defense planning.