Community Briefs – July 1, 2019

Military training at Farallon de Medinilla, Dandan, open ocean
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Air Force will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla today, July 1, from 5pm to 9:30pm.

This training supports aircrew combat readiness and is critical to developing the skills needed to respond to operational missions throughout the region to ensure a stable, free and open Indo-Pacific.

The general location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be within a 12-nautical-mile radius of the island.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 will conduct training from 11am to 11:55pm on July 2-3, at the Dandan-Malojloj training site in Inarajan.

These types of trainings are designed to enhance the readiness of military personnel. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training. The public should be advised that routine helicopter training often accompanied with the use of blanks can occur during these trainings.

The U.S. Navy will conduct open-ocean exercises on July 3-4, from 7am to 2pm, within a 10-nautical-mile radius of the following coordinates: 15˚00’’N/148˚44’’E.

It is recommended the public, fishermen, and marine tour operators monitor the Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners for advisories. (PR)

Navy to conduct underwater training in Piti
ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 will conduct routine underwater detonation training from 8am to 4pm on July 3, at coordinates 13˚29’’N/144˚40’’E in Piti.

EODMU-5 will detonate a total of three lbs of explosives at the designated UNDET location on a sandy area of the sea floor.

For the safety of the public and participants involved, the Coast Guard will establish safety zones to restrict access in the vicinity of the training area.

EODMU-5 performs routine underwater detonation training to develop the skills needed to be ready to rapidly respond to operational missions and unexploded ordnance support on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Navy conducted a multi-year environmental analysis, which the National Marine Fisheries Service, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, granted the Navy authorization to conduct underwater detonation training. The Navy is a committed environmental steward and employs protective measures to safeguard marine resources.

For the safety of personnel and marine life, the area will be visually cleared by divers and by lookouts on the surface before, during, and after the exercise. All activity will cease temporarily if a person or marine life is seen in the area. (PR)

Guam tax refunds mailed out today
HAGATNA, Guam—Today, Department of Revenue & Taxation and Department of Administration will mail over 1,300 tax refund checks totaling approximately $3.8 million, including refunds garnished to repay government debts, for error-free returns filed on or before Feb. 6, 2019. For inquiries, please contact Income Tax Branch, Department of Revenue & Taxation at (671) 635-1840 or Edward Birn, Department of Administration at (671) 475-1250. (PR)