U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 34, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, take cover after throwing an M67 grenade, during a grenade range on Skaggs Urban Training Complex, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, Aug. 8, 2025. Marines executed the M67 grenade range to enhance combat readiness. This grenade range was the first one to be conducted on Skaggs UTC. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, passes the Sword of Office to Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Catching, oncoming senior enlisted leader of MCB Camp Blaz, during an appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, Aug. 8, 2025. Sgt. Maj. Catching will serve as the bases second sergeant major since its official activation in 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Bruce Miller, communications chief, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Float riders on the Village of Manenggon float, wave to the crowd during the 81st Guam Liberation Day parade in Hagåtña, Guam, July 21, 2025. The parade is a celebration of U.S. forces liberating Guam from Imperial Japanese Forces in 1944 during World War II. Throughout the month of July there are several events and ceremonies held as part of Guam’s Liberation Month. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin)
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan West, outgoing company commander with Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, passes the guidon to Maj. Michael Guard, oncoming company commander for HQ. Co., MCB Camp Blaz, during the HQ Co. change of command on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, July 30, 2025. Capt. West, the first HQ Co. commander, relinquished his duties to Maj. Michael Guard after serving as the company commander since May 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)
From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Krivenko, acting senior enlisted advisor of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Senator Chris Dueñas, the Honorable Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr., commanding officer of MCB Camp Blaz, pose for a photo at the new highway sign during the Brig. Gen. Ben Blaz Memorial Highway renaming ceremony in Dededo, Guam, July 28, 2025. The naming of Brig. Gen. Ben Blaz Memorial Highway is a heartfelt tribute to a distinguished individual who represents the dedication to service, professionalism, and local pride that Camp Blaz aspires to uphold. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)
Tamuning, GU - Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, the Marine Corps’ newest activated installation, continues to demonstrate significant growth in infrastructure, personnel, and even services for its Marines. On August 4th, 2025, the installation celebrated another operational achievement and opportunity for its Marines – the first Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) marriage enrichment retreat (MER) at Rhiga Royal Guam Resort in Tamuning, Guam. The event ran from August 4-6 in support by Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) CREDO Deputy Director, Chaplain Adam R. Boggess. Historically, MCIPAC CREDO events have supported service members in mainland Japan, Okinawa, and Hawaii, offering enrichment for individuals, families, and marriages. The addition of MCIPAC CREDO on Guam reflects the growing needs of the Marine Corps community on the island.
continue reading
At 1153, July 7, 2025, the very first grenade was thrown on the Marines Corps’ newest grenade range - Skaggs Urban Training Complex (UTC). “The purpose of today's range is to build confidence and proficiency in the ability of Marines and Sailors of CLC-34 as well as Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz to employ the M67 hand grenade,” said Maj. Inchul Ha, detachment commander, Combat Logistics Company 34, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. The facility consists of three parts; the M69 practice grenade range, M67 grenade range, and the Sacon grenade house.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam – The Purple Heart Medal holds a powerful place in military history, awarded to thousands of service members who have endured injury or made the ultimate sacrifice in combat. Established by George Washington on August 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War, originally known as the “Badge of Military Merit” and recognized courageous action in battle. In 1932, the award was redefined to honor those wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action.
On Monday, July 28, the Government of Guam honored U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General (Brig. Gen.) and Delegate Vicente “Ben” T. Blaz, a Guam native and the first CHamoru Marine to achieve the rank of general officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, by renaming Guam Route 3 as “Brigadier General Ben Blaz Memorial Highway.” This change reflects not only the community’s deep respect for Blaz’s military service, but also recognizes his leadership, patriotism, and lifelong dedication to the people of Guam. The renaming was formalized through Bill 273, introduced by Senator Chris Dueñas and unanimously passed by the Guam Legislature on February 26, 2022.