Guam Briefs – January 21, 2020

US Naval Base Guam extends base sponsorship to VHIC holders

SANTA RITA, Guam—Effective Jan. 21, U.S. Naval Base Guam will begin extending sponsorship privileges for veterans who fall under the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. 

The new sponsorship privileges will allow authorized veteran card holders to sponsor up to three guests with valid identification onto NBG installations.

Veterans must have a Veterans Health Identification Card registered with the NBG Visitor Control Center into the Defense Biometric Identification System to request for sponsorship. 

All guests requesting access to NBG properties must present a REAL ID-compliant identification card when applying for access at the VCC and must complete all base access requirements. Guests who do not have a REAL ID may request base access by presenting a valid U.S. passport as an authorized alternate identification.  

For a full list of documents you can use to apply for a REAL ID go to https://www.guamtax.com/help/realIDpolicy.html.

Guests must be accompanied by their sponsor at all times and cannot be left unattended or sponsor privileges may be revoked.

The NBG VCC Guest Services hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and every other Wednesday from 9am to 2pm The NBG VCC Contractor Services hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7am to 4pm and every other Wednesday from 7am to 2pm 

Both contractor and guest services are closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Veterans with questions regarding the base sponsorship program are encouraged to contact the VCC at 339-6217/5208/1280/1380. (PR)

Military trainings set

ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy will conduct training from 9am to 5pm Jan. 20 in Agat Bay. Residents and boat operators in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training from 11am to 11:55pm on Jan. 21-23 in Dandan-Malojloj, Radio Barrigada, and South Finegayan, Dededo. Residents in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the training.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training from 2pm to 11:55pm on Jan. 21 in Warning Area 517.  All vessels are advised to remain clear of the area as this training will be accompanied by the use of lasers and live ammunition. 

The U.S. Navy will also conduct training from 5pm – 11:55pm on Jan. 21 in W-517. All vessels are requested to remain clear of the training area as this training will be accompanied by the use of lasers. 

W-517 begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters. W-517 supports surface and aerial gunnery, missiles, and laser exercises. 

The U.S., Royal Australian Air Force, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Republic of Korea Navy will be participating in exercise Sea Dragon from 4:30am to 11:59pm on Jan. 22-26 in W-517 and open ocean bounded by the following coordinates: 15˚00’N/144˚20’E, 15˚00’N/144˚40’E, 14˚00N/144˚40E, 14˚00N/144˚20E.

All vessels are advised to remain clear of the above coordinates while training operations are taking place.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training from 8pm to 11:55pm on Jan. 22 at the following coordinates: 13˚26’N/145˚08’E, 13˚42’N/144˚36’E. All vessels are advised to remain clear of these coordinates as this training will be accompanied by the use of live ammunition.

The U.S. Navy will conduct training from 5am to 4pm on Jan. 23 in Outer Apra Harbor.

The U.S. Navy will also conduct training from 5pm to 11:55pm on Jan. 23 in Outer Apra Harbor.

These trainings will be accompanied by the use of blanks. 

These types of trainings are designed to enhance the readiness of military personnel. Residents and boat operators in surrounding areas should not be alarmed if they see or hear increased activity associated with the trainings.

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