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Marines assist in Guam typhoon recovery efforts
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cade Foraker, optics technician for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, from Miramar, Calif., moves a tree blocking the road on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, June 2, 2023. (U.S. MARINE CORPS/LANCE CPL. GARRETT GILLESPIE)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam—U.S. Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 helped restore the island of Guam after Typhoon Mawar while on their way back to their homeport, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. Typhoon Mawar was a Category 4 storm, producing winds of at least 130 miles per hour, making it one of the stronger typhoons to hit Guam in decades.
One hundred twenty-four U.S. Marines and sailors were on-board SS Curtiss in support of exercise Balikitan 23 in the Philippines. While on their retrograde back to MCAS Miramar, the ship stopped in Guam on May 14, 2023, to drop off an aviation support package of aeronautical equipment and personnel to support the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing summer exercise series.
When Typhoon Mawar hit the island 10 days later, MALS-16 jumped into action, providing help to Joint Region Marianas to recover from the storm.
“As visitors to the island, we felt compelled to provide immediate response to the local community and the entire JRM team,” said U.S. Marine Maj. William Dunst, commander of troops assigned to MALS-16.
MALS-16 teamed up with Task Force 75 and Naval Base Guam to assist with defense support of civilian authorities and base restoration.
“We provided support with two Defense Support of Civil Authorities missions at the Mangilao Solar Panel Substation and the Nimitz Hill reservoir,” said Dunst. “Working as a team with our sister services as well as the local community has been very rewarding and it feels great to physically see the difference we have made so far.”
They have also put in over 2,200 hours of base restoration by clearing debris across Naval Base Guam, Coast Guard Sector Guam, Marine Corps Camp Blaz and Andersen Air Force Base.
