Military Showcases Capabilities, Equipment on Guam

By Jesse Leon Guerrero
Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

ASAN, GUAM (NNS) -- The U.S. Armed Forces participated in Armed Services Recognition Day at the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Asan Beach Unit on Guam July 17.

The event was part of Guam's 66th Liberation Day festivities, which recognize the island's liberation from Japanese forces during World War II.

The event showcased the military's capabilities and allowed an opportunity for service members to educate the public about their respective missions. It featured a collection of heavy equipment, weapons, vehicles and static displays, drawing local residents, tourists and other attendees throughout the day.

"It's definitely great to be a part of this and to see the people coming out, seeing their support for us and us being able to give our support back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Vance Burke, of the 736th Security Forces Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base.

Burke was one of more than 100 Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Guam National Guardsmen and other Department of Defense personnel who spoke with attendees and explained the capabilities of their respective units and commands.

Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Eric Carlson, of USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705), said the day was an opportunity to explain to visitors how the military supports Guam and the region. Damage control gear, firefighting suits and steam suits used to protect submariners gave attendees insight on life and work done aboard a submarine.

Carlson said Guam is tactically important because of its location as a forward-deployed site and the history of submarines on Guam stretches back to the 1950s.

"We just do our job, and we're here to defend the country and keep everybody's freedom," Carlson said. "That's what our main focus is."

Attendees stopped at the various booths situated along the display route to snap a photo, carry a rifle and have their questions answered about military operations and the military as a career choice.

Tim Clements, a civilian contractor for the Navy, said he brought his two daughters down along with him to get a close look at the boats, vehicles and weapons.

"We had a great time," Clements said. "It gives [the kids] an understanding of how and why the military is important to us."

At the Marine display of firearms, members of 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FAST PAC), Bravo Company, 4th Platoon, showed how to properly hold an M4 assault rifle and man a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. Capt. Travis Bowden, of FAST PAC, said they'd just arrived on Guam 36 hours before the event, but they were looking forward to spending a week touring Guam.

"From what I've seen, the support and the hospitality from the island have been incredible," Bowden said. "It's an opportunity for us to give back and show our support back, do community service projects and get engaged with the local community, just to show what we're all about and that we're thankful for their support of us."

Near the end of the day, members of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Band, out of Okinawa, Japan, performed live.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steve Giove, 3rd MEF Band director, said it was an honor for the band to be on Guam because the Asan site held special meaning for the Marines. Marine forces landed at Asan Beach July 21, 1944, to begin their liberation of the island from Japanese forces.

"To us, it's sacred ground," Giove said. "It's a great legacy — to see and understand and to be part of that is an awesome thing for these young Marines."

Guam was occupied by Japan for 31 months until the U.S. Armed Forces liberated the island July 21, 1944.