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On April 3rd, at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Tabernaemontana rotensis adolescent trees are vibrant and healthy within the Caiguat Forest Enhancement Site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce) - On April 3rd, at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Tabernaemontana rotensis adolescent trees are vibrant and healthy within the Caiguat Forest Enhancement Site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)

Restoring Native Guam Ecosystems on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam — When stepping onto any forested landscape on Guam, visitors are greeted with lush greenery—vibrant with a variety of leaves, vines, and blooming flowers. But beneath this picturesque scenery lies a more complex reality, the magnitude of invasive species impacts that threatens the island’s native flora and fauna.

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U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz senior leaders; U.S. Navy Capt. Blake Burket, commanding officer, Officer in Charge of Construction; and Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas cut a ribbon during a barracks soft opening on MCBCB, Guam, May, 16 2025. The first new enlisted barracks at MCBCB opened, marking a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest installation. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brayden Daniel) - U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz senior leaders; U.S. Navy Capt. Blake Burket, commanding officer, Officer in Charge of Construction; and Rear Adm. Brent DeVore, commander, Joint Region Marianas cut a ribbon during a barracks soft opening on MCBCB, Guam, May, 16 2025. The first new enlisted barracks at MCBCB opened, marking a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest installation. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brayden Daniel)

Camp Blaz Marines and Sailors move into new barracks

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam —The first new enlisted barracks at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz opened May 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. Marine Corps’ newest installation. “This marks the beginning of life on Camp Blaz’s Main Cantonment,” said Col. Ernest Govea, commanding officer, MCBCB. “Marines and Sailors are going to finally be able to live on the base and have an improved quality of life and readiness.” In the morning, Marines and Sailors, previously housed on Andersen Air Force Base, began moving into their new home. In the coming weeks, Marines and Sailors living aboard Naval Base Guam will transition into the new facilities. “It is really unique to be able to be the first person to move into a barracks room, and that will probably never happen again in my career,” said Lance Cpl. Juan Dela Cerda, an administrative clerk with the S-1 section of Camp Blaz. “Besides how unique it is, it’s just nice to have a place to call my own.”

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U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the first Camp Blaz-owned chow hall on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 24, 2025. The food service Marines with MCB Camp Blaz and civilian workforce personnel played a key role in establishing the very first Camp Blaz-owned chow hall by developing the menu, setting hours of operation, and implementing procedures necessary for successful operations. This event marks a major milestone for Camp Blaz as one of the first of many completed facilities in the ongoing base development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the first Camp Blaz-owned chow hall on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 24, 2025. The food service Marines with MCB Camp Blaz and civilian workforce personnel played a key role in establishing the very first Camp Blaz-owned chow hall by developing the menu, setting hours of operation, and implementing procedures necessary for successful operations. This event marks a major milestone for Camp Blaz as one of the first of many completed facilities in the ongoing base development. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz opens the first Marine Corps chow hall on Guam

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam — Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz celebrated a historic milestone, Thursday, with the grand opening of its first chow hall on Guam. The chow hall located on North Ramp, Andersen Air Force Base is open to all active duty servicemembers on Guam. The opening ceremony took place April 25, 2025, underscoring the dedicated effort by the food service Marines and support personnel who worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. The new facility is designed to provide nutritious and diverse meals in a modern setting, supporting the physical readiness and morale of Marines stationed on the island. “Our food service program is designed to provide a well-balanced meal for the service member,” said Master Sgt. Kelvin Tapia, the acting food service officer for Camp Blaz. “Our program’s mission is to ensure the fighting force is eating healthy and sustaining themselves. [This is] not just for Camp Blaz but for all the rotating forces in the Pacific.”

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U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz conduct motorcycle inspections at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, March 6, 2025. The motorcycle training went over conducting motorcycle inspections, addressing safety concerns, and building confidence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz conduct motorcycle inspections at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, March 6, 2025. The motorcycle training went over conducting motorcycle inspections, addressing safety concerns, and building confidence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao)

First motorcycle training at Camp Blaz

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam -- The Marine Corps has a long line of history outside of just its basic safety courses and facilitating recreational riding. During WWII the Marine Corps utilized motorcycles for a variety of reconnaissance and dispatch missions, taking advantage of their lightweight mobility and smaller target for missions requiring a low profile. Reconnaissance and some special forces Marines still are trained for motorcycle use today as they remain a tool for the United States military. Whether it be recreational transportation or a special operations mission, the Marine Corps is dedicated to providing motorcycle training to those wishing to learn.

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U.S. Marine senior leaders with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and Marine Corps Systems Command pose for a group photo at Asan Bay Overlook, Guam, April 3, 2025. Senior leaders visited Camp Blaz to see the progress of the base’s development and capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marine senior leaders with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and Marine Corps Systems Command pose for a group photo at Asan Bay Overlook, Guam, April 3, 2025. Senior leaders visited Camp Blaz to see the progress of the base’s development and capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Camp Blaz Protocol

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GUAM – The protocol section at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz is the touchpoint for every event aboard the installation. This team of two operates in a contradictory duality: they are the welcoming face of the installation that communicates, plans, and organizes distinguished visitor engagements, but at the same time, they stealthily operate behind the scenes ensuring name placards are precisely arranged and timelines are met. Over the last year, Ms. Jennifer Dulla, the Camp Blaz protocol officer, planned more than 200 distinguished visitor installation tours. “Protocol is a touchpoint for a lot of the visitors,” said Dulla. “We find out specifically what they want to get accomplished while they are here. Then we provide them with the right people and resources to ensure a successful visit.”

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U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marcellous Dixon, training chief, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses for a portrait after winning the Marine Corps Installations Command Enlisted Marine of the Year award, Camp Blaz, Guam, March 4, 2025. “To compete with this caliber of Marines is an extremely humbling experience for me,” said Dixon. “Steel sharpens steel is the mentality we all live by. I am a product of peoples’ selfless investment in me.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marcellous Dixon, training chief, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses for a portrait after winning the Marine Corps Installations Command Enlisted Marine of the Year award, Camp Blaz, Guam, March 4, 2025. “To compete with this caliber of Marines is an extremely humbling experience for me,” said Dixon. “Steel sharpens steel is the mentality we all live by. I am a product of peoples’ selfless investment in me.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little)

Camp Blaz Marine selected as MCICOM Enlisted Marine of the Year

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam --- The Marine Corps is built on the fundamentals of hard work, extreme competition, and rigorous training. Those who are part of the organization understand this well, and they incorporate a warrior spirit into their tasks day after day. Often, those most deserving of recognition humbly decline the limelight; however, Staff Sgt. Marcellous Dixon, training chief, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, couldn’t escape his nomination and selection as the 2025 Marine Corps Installations Command Enlisted Marine of the Year. “To compete with this caliber of Marines is an extremely humbling experience for me,” said Dixon. “Steel sharpens steel is the mentality we all live by. I am a product of peoples’ selfless investment in me.” Since arriving to the Marine Corps’ newest installation, Camp Blaz, in August of 2023, Dixon has filled a variety of positions: legal chief, company gunnery sergeant, and training chief. He also fills in as the volunteer coordinator, Toys for Tots deputy coordinator, on-call mentor, and unit readiness coordinator. “Staff Sgt. Dixon epitomizes what we, as Marines, expect of our staff NCOs,” said Lt. Col. Chris Williams, staff judge advocate, MCB Camp Blaz. “Not only is he incredibly competent in his MOS, his innate initiative, organizational skills, and leadership make him invaluable to a new command.” Dixon has turned his work ethic into a routine that comes naturally for him.

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This graphic illustration poster showcases the Mariana eight-spot butterfly and was created using Adobe Photoshop on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, March 5, 2025. This species of butterfly is native to the Mariana Islands and efforts are being made to preserve them due to the unique impact they have on the Guam ecosystem. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic illustration by Lance Cpl. Mark Dvoskin) - This graphic illustration poster showcases the Mariana eight-spot butterfly and was created using Adobe Photoshop on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, March 5, 2025. This species of butterfly is native to the Mariana Islands and efforts are being made to preserve them due to the unique impact they have on the Guam ecosystem. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic illustration by Lance Cpl. Mark Dvoskin)

Camp Blaz Environmental and Range staff work together to protect endemic butterfly

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GUAM – Beyond pulling targets in the pits and completing your annual weapons qualification – have you ever considered other ways that range land could be utilized? On Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, range and environmental staff are working together to sustain forested lands and support important native plants and animals in designated areas.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Charlotte Jei Balacano, military police, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, waves a vehicle to the gate at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Feb. 27, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz PMO supports the installation by providing a safe and secure environment for Marines, Sailors, civilian employees, and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Charlotte Jei Balacano, military police, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, waves a vehicle to the gate at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Feb. 27, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz PMO supports the installation by providing a safe and secure environment for Marines, Sailors, civilian employees, and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Camp Blaz grows PMO

CAMP BLAZ, GUAM – The Guam community coming aboard Navy or Marine Corps installations has likely noticed a change as they arrive at the security gate. For the first time, since the activation of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Marines are standing duty as gate sentries across the island, showcasing that the Camp Blaz Provost Marshal’s Office is increasing its manpower and capabilities in stride with the Corps’ build up on the island and alongside its Navy counterparts. The PMO staff is focused on energizing the manpower force flow, procuring military police equipment, and developing policy and procedures to set the conditions to achieve an Initial Operational Capability this year, and subsequently, a fully operational PMO in the future.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Single Marine Program center on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Jan. 31, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz opened the SMP center to help improve the quality of life for single Marines and Sailors stationed in Guam. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the new Single Marine Program center on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Jan. 31, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz opened the SMP center to help improve the quality of life for single Marines and Sailors stationed in Guam. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

New SMP Lounge Opens at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, GUAM — A new Single Marine Program lounge opened its doors to service members at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on Jan. 31, 2025, offering a modern, vibrant space for Marines and Sailors to unwind, socialize, and relax after a busy workday. The lounge, located above the postal office on the base, was designed to create a community-focused environment where single Marines and Sailors can connect and take part in recreational activities. Some amenities include comfortable seating, video game consoles, a pool table that can turn into an air hockey table and table tennis, and large screen televisions for viewing sports and movies.

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Lauren Gutierrez, a supervisory conservation specialist supporting Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Marianas, collects seeds from a mature Serianthes Nelsonii during a site assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz following typhoon Mawar on June 7, 2023. A Combined Joint Task Force led by U.S. Army Pacific and Task Force West are the DoD representatives supporting FEMA and the governments of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as we continue recovery efforts in the wake of Typhoon Mawar. Commander Task Force West Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, and all military installation commanding officers in Guam are diligently working to restore steady state to the bases, and dedicate resources to all FEMA mission assignments. Typhoon Mawar moved through the area as a Category 4 storm on May 24, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and high seas marking the strongest storm to affect the island since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. - Lauren Gutierrez, a supervisory conservation specialist supporting Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Marianas, collects seeds from a mature Serianthes Nelsonii during a site assessment at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz following typhoon Mawar on June 7, 2023. A Combined Joint Task Force led by U.S. Army Pacific and Task Force West are the DoD representatives supporting FEMA and the governments of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as we continue recovery efforts in the wake of Typhoon Mawar. Commander Task Force West Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, and all military installation commanding officers in Guam are diligently working to restore steady state to the bases, and dedicate resources to all FEMA mission assignments. Typhoon Mawar moved through the area as a Category 4 storm on May 24, bringing hurricane-force winds, heavy rain and high seas marking the strongest storm to affect the island since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002.

The Serianthes Tree at Ritidian: Leaving Behind a Legacy of Hope

Serianthes nelsonii is a tree species found only on Guam and Rota. The CHamoru name for the Serianthes tree on Guam is Håyun lågu, meaning "wood of the north" or "foreign wood," and in Rota, Trongkon guåfi, meaning "fire tree." Specimens were first collected in the late 1800s and again in 1918 by Peter Nelson, from whom the species was described by Elmer D. Merrill. Although there is no remaining knowledge of traditional uses of the tree in CHamoru culture, early navigator Louis Claude de Freycinet listed Håyun lågu as a tree suitable for timber in his travel journals in the 1800s. Given the tree’s full stature and strength, it would have been suitable for shelter construction or canoe-building. In 1987, Serianthes nelsonii was listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to its rarity and threats to its survival.

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