Military Updates

LIFE-FIRE TRAINING ON FDM TODAY

The U.S. military in Guam will be conducting live-fire training today on the island of Farallon De Mendenilla, according to the Emergency Management Office and U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Guam.

This training will be held from 3pm to 7pm today. The general location of this activity will be on the Farallon De Mendenilla training area on a 10 nautical mile radius on all quadrants.

Due to the danger imposed by this activity, EMO is advising the public—especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators—to stay away from this area during the time and date indicated.

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the EMO’s Operations Section at 322-9528 and 9529 Ext. 23, 24, 31, VHF Marine Channel 16, and HF Single Side Band Radio on 5.205.0. or visit its website at www.cnmiemo.gov.mp. (PR)

HSC-25 CHANGE OF COMMAND

SANTA RITA, Guam—Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 held a change of command ceremony yesterday at the squadron’s hangar on Andersen Air Force Base.

During the time-honored Navy tradition, Cmdr. Shoshana Chatfield was relieved by Cmdr. Christopher Brunett. The guest speaker was Rear Adm. Joe Leidig, who is commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Marianas.

Chatfield became the 20th and final commanding officer of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 5 on March 30, 2005, and upon its disestablishment, the first Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 on April 21, 2005. Her next assignment will be deputy executive assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations.

Brunett used to be the executive officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25.

The mission of HSC-25 is to deploy detachments to conduct Helicopter Sea Combat Operations in support of 5th and 7th Fleets and our National Defense. In addition, The Island Knights provide logistics, search and rescue, force protection, and disaster response support to the territory of Guam and the Northern Marianas Island. IB. (PR)

NAVY CHIEF RECEIVES BRONZE STAR

SANTA RITA, Guam—Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 will hold a Bronze Star ceremony at 9:30am today, May 12, at the unit’s compound onboard Naval Base Guam.

During the ceremony, Gunner’s Mate Chief Kenneth C. Normand will be awarded a bronze star for his role in Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to people who have distinguished themselves through heroic, meritorious achievement or service in connection with military operations against an armed enemy or opposing armed force.

The mission of EODMU 5, a forward-deployed mobile command, is to provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachments throughout the Commander, Seventh Fleet area of responsibility to enable access for fleet, mine countermeasures, joint expeditionary and special operations forces. (PR)