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 1st Sgt. Phillip Sandfire Jr., company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Catching, senior enlisted advisor, MCB Camp Blaz, scan the shoreline for small glass debris at Tanguisson Beach, Dededo, Guam, Apr. 24, 2025. Camp Blaz personnel enhance community bonds and support Guam's natural beauty and native ecosystem through monthly service initiatives like the "Marines in the Wild" program, focused on environmental projects that make a lasting impact. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)
Distinguished visitors and senior leaders of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz pose for a group photo at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, April 9, 2026. Mr. Andrew L. Winternitz, acting deputy assistant secretary of war for defense for East Asia, along with other officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, visited the installation to discuss future development initiatives for Camp Blaz. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao)
Senior leaders with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz pose with Brig. Gen. George Turner, commander, 37th White Sands Missile Range, and his team, April 28, 2026, MCB Camp Blaz, Guam. Brig. Gen. Turner visited MCB Camp Blaz to view the installation’s development and capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little)
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)
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.
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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."
As part of the 2017 Biological Opinion, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz’s Natural Resources Team has spearheaded contracts, projects, and outreach efforts to strengthen designated Forest Enhancement Sites (FES) across the installation while working to minimize impacts to native species throughout the installation’s footprint. Invasive species, including non-native animals and plants, have severely impacted Guam’s native ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources and hindering their growth. Storm events, such as Typhoon Mawar in 2023, combined with human activity and the spread of invasive species, have further strained the island’s biodiversity.
On March 27, 2026, Marines assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) participated in their Sister School, Finegayan Elementary's, Guam Heritage Day (Mes CHamoru)—a field day and celebration with students, faculty, and community partners. This event was part of the installation’s ongoing commitment to community relations (COMREL) initiatives. March’s event marked another opportunity for the Marines to support a school-led activity through direct participation, student interaction, and tangible support. In February, Marines from Camp Blaz had already engaged in a beautification project at Finegayan Elementary, assisting with grounds maintenance and spending time interacting with students during recess. This previous event left a lasting impact on the Marines, who reflected on the simple joy students took in their play. “The kids were just happy to run around with us, with little to no toys or games,” said Lance Cpl. Mark Dvoskin, a graphic design Marine at Camp Blaz. “It was clear they make the most of what they have.” Following the February event, Camp Blaz leadership became aware of the school’s ongoing challenges, including limited resources and the difficulty of maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for students. “In the last six months, we’ve experienced four break-ins, resulting in stolen recess equipment, classroom supplies, and more,” said a school representative. “It’s difficult, but we make do, and we do our best to ensure the students are impacted as little as possible.”