U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force evaluate equipment readiness on the Medium-Range Intercept Capability system on Mason Range, Guam, June 24, 2026 in support of VALIANT SHIELD 2026. The MRIC provides a state-of-the-art missile system that defeats enemy cruise missiles and other manned and unmanned aerial threats. Exercises like VALIANT SHIELD allow Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the joint force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl Benjamin Catindig)
Harry Rehm, a firefighter with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, activates the stabilizers on a fire truck to perform a pump test on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, June 9, 2026. The firefighters at Camp Blaz conduct regular training exercises to maintain operational readiness for all emergencies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Andrew Hays, network administrator, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, speaks to a senior citizen during a community relations event in Astumbo, Guam, June 26, 2026. The event provided Marines an opportunity to build relationships with the local community through conversation, volunteer service, and meaningful engagement. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel)
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Dillon Tripp, military police officer, and Lance Cpl. Preston Pacheco, military police officer, both with Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, conduct I.D. checks at a Camp Blaz gate, MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, June 30, 2026. The MCB Camp Blaz Provost Marshal’s Office has recently achieved initial operation capable status and continues to expand their efforts throughout the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin)
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mark Ocasio, data systems chief, and Sgt. Rodencia Thomas, administrative specialist, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, prepare for a gear shed during a basic swim qualification on Naval Base Guam, March 26, 2026. The basic swim qualification consists of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, combat photographer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses with section and headquarters company leadership after winning the Joint Region Marianas Junior Service Member of the Year award at United Services Organization, Tumon Bay Center, March 6, 2026. The award recognizes the outstanding leadership, commitment to community, and all-around dedication of service members across the island of Guam. (Courtesy Photo)
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam – Firefighters with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz ensure our base and community is safe every day by doing maintenance, practicing drills, and answering the call to help. The fire department serves a critical function that the base requires. The fire department here on Camp Blaz is a fundamental resource that is required for any military installation. Installations are self-contained cities housing thousands of service members, families, and civilian employees. The fire department provides structural firefighting, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for the base. Without a fire station, the base cannot safely conduct certain operations. The buildup of the fire department is a massive step for Camp Blaz to become a proud installation.
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Laughter echoed through Astumbo Senior Center as Marines with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz sat alongside Guam's elderly residents, sharing stories, offering a helping hand, and spending time with those who have helped shape the island's community during a community relations event on June 26, 2026. The visit wasn't centered on completing a project or checking off volunteer hours. Instead, it was about connection. Marines spent the day talking with residents, assisting staff where needed, and taking time to listen to decades of stories and life experiences. Those conversations quickly turned strangers into friends, reminding everyone involved that sometimes the simplest gestures leave the greatest impact.
On April 24, 2026, nearly 50 Marines and civilian staff from Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz completed their second environmentally focused community relations (COMREL) project of the year, continuing their commitment to environmental preservation and community engagement. The initiative titled “Marines in the Wild,” was centered on debris removal and beach restoration at Tanguisson Beach, which had been impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and ongoing illegal dumping. In collaboration with Camp Blaz’s Public Works Department (PWD) Environmental Team, the group removed over 6,000 pounds of debris, including plastic waste, aluminum cans, and more.
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was recently named the Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Junior Service Member of the Year for 2025. The honor was bestowed during a ceremony on March 6, 2026, for which she was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of her exemplary performance in the combat camera military occupational specialty and her exceptional contributions to the local community. "Lance Corporal Smiley’s exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the core values of the Marine Corps and exemplify the level of service we strive to achieve," said Maj. Mark Crum, Communication Strategy and Operations Director, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. "Her leadership and community engagement have set a standard for junior service members throughout the region."