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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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U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, participate in a 249-mile run as a part of a celebration of the upcoming Marine Corps Birthday, Guam, Nov. 6, 2024. To celebrate the Marine Corps’ 249th Birthday, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz collectively ran 249 miles during a 24-hour period, symbolizing the commitment to excellence, endurance, and the unbreakable bond that unites the Marines. This event concluded on Nov. 7 with the Marine Corps 249th Birthday Cake Cutting ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, participate in a 249-mile run as a part of a celebration of the upcoming Marine Corps Birthday, Guam, Nov. 6, 2024. To celebrate the Marine Corps’ 249th Birthday, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz collectively ran 249 miles during a 24-hour period, symbolizing the commitment to excellence, endurance, and the unbreakable bond that unites the Marines. This event concluded on Nov. 7 with the Marine Corps 249th Birthday Cake Cutting ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Camp Blaz runs 249 miles for USMC birthday

The United States Marine Corps has proudly served the nation for 249 years, and to celebrate the Corps’ birthday, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz collectively ran 249 miles during a 24-hour period. This year’s birthday marked the second, annual run event for the Corps’ newest installation. It was also an opportunity for Blaz Marines and Sailors to visit Marine Corps, historically important sites that span the island.

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U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan West, Headquarters Company Commander, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses with members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce during the Toys for Tots kick-off in Tumon, Guam, Sept. 25, 2024. This year marks the 15th year Toys for Tots has been part of the Guam community. “Our island community has been extremely generous in its support of the Toys for Tots campaign over the years," said Catherine Castro, President of the Guam Chamber of Commerce. "Even when times were lean, our residents have been the most supportive, which has been amazing to witness!” (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan West, Headquarters Company Commander, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses with members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce during the Toys for Tots kick-off in Tumon, Guam, Sept. 25, 2024. This year marks the 15th year Toys for Tots has been part of the Guam community. “Our island community has been extremely generous in its support of the Toys for Tots campaign over the years," said Catherine Castro, President of the Guam Chamber of Commerce. "Even when times were lean, our residents have been the most supportive, which has been amazing to witness!” (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little)

2024 Guam Toys for Tots Campaign Commences

Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz is proud to announce the start of Guam’s 15th Toys for Tots campaign. Marines from MCB Camp Blaz will deliver toy collection boxes to sites across Guam during the first week of October. Toy collection will conclude the first week of December. The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands 8th Toys for Tots Campaign will kick off on Oct. 2. “I’m excited for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign,” said Col. Ernest Govea, MCB Camp Blaz commanding officer. “The campaign is something we prepare for all year, and our Blaz Marines and Sailors are looking forward to working alongside our community partners to make this year a success. Last year we had a record-breaking year, and I know this year is going to be just as successful.”

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Marines and Sailors from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands pose with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz leadership on MCB Camp Blaz, Aug. 22, 2024. - Marines and Sailors from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands pose with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz leadership on MCB Camp Blaz, Aug. 22, 2024. Several Marines and Sailors originally born and raised on the islands of Guam and the CNMI have returned to the Marianas and are an integral part of laying the foundation for MCB Camp Blaz. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Little)

Camp Blaz brings local Marines and Sailors home

Several Marines and Sailors originally born and raised on the islands of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have returned to the Marianas and are an integral part of laying the foundation for Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. From the communication and administrative sections, to logistics, these Marines and Sailors are serving at every level of the installation, employing their unique talents and trades to support installation functions and future force flow. Sgt. Daniel Ascura, a network administrator with Camp Blaz, was born and raised on Guam in the village of Santa Rita and has taken great pride in being able to serve not only his country, but his home as well.

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A replica of a United States Embassy building on the newly built Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility is being used to help with realistic training scenarios on Marine Corps Camp Blaz, Guam, June 27, 2024. In its last phase before becoming operational, the MOUT facility is being outfitted with $4 million worth of atmospherics. These realistic features include furnished buildings, props, noise generators, and smell generators. These items are essential to help simulate multiple realistic and immersive combat scenarios. The Skaggs Urban Training Complex, is named after Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luther Skaggs Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - A replica of a United States Embassy building on the newly built Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility is being used to help with realistic training scenarios on Marine Corps Camp Blaz, Guam, June 27, 2024. In its last phase before becoming operational, the MOUT facility is being outfitted with $4 million worth of atmospherics. These realistic features include furnished buildings, props, noise generators, and smell generators. These items are essential to help simulate multiple realistic and immersive combat scenarios. The Skaggs Urban Training Complex, is named after Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Luther Skaggs Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Skaggs Urban Training Complex installs new atmospherics

Combat readiness is the very pillar of the U.S. Marine Corps. Hidden in the dense, Guam jungle is a state-of-the-art, Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility. With more than 100 buildings, this training facility will increase the Corps’ warfighting prowess and strengthen joint, partner, and ally interoperability. In its last phase before becoming operational, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, MOUT facility is being outfitted with $4 million worth of atmospherics. These realistic features include furnished buildings, props, noise generators, and smell generators. These items are essential to help simulate multiple realistic and immersive combat scenarios.

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