News - Page 2

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 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)

Purple Heart Day Recognition; MSgt. Bruce Miller

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.

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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) - 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)

Brigadier General Vicente “Ben” T. Blaz honored in renaming of Guam Route 3 to “Brigadier General Ben Blaz Memorial Highway”

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.

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U.S Marine Corps Col. Ricahrd Marshall Jr., oncoming commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, takes the command colors from Col. Ernest Govea, outgoing commanding officer, MCB Camp Blaz, during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, July 17, 2025. Col. Govea relinquished command of Camp Blaz to Col. Marshall after serving as the commanding officer since July of 2023. The change of command ceremony is an honored tradition, which signifies the transfer of command responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brayden Daniel) - U.S Marine Corps Col. Ricahrd Marshall Jr., oncoming commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, takes the command colors from Col. Ernest Govea, outgoing commanding officer, MCB Camp Blaz, during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, July 17, 2025. Col. Govea relinquished command of Camp Blaz to Col. Marshall after serving as the commanding officer since July of 2023. The change of command ceremony is an honored tradition, which signifies the transfer of command responsibility from one commander to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brayden Daniel)

Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Change of Command Ceremony: Col. Ernest Govea relinquishes command to Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr.

CAMP BLAZ, Guam — The Commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz relinquished command during a change of command ceremony Thursday, marking a new chapter in the base’s leadership. Col. Ernest Govea who assumed command in July 2023, handed over responsibilities to Col. Richard D. Marshall Jr. in a ceremony attended by Marines, local officials and members of the community. The event, held on base, recognized Govea’s role in overseeing key developments at Camp Blaz, including infrastructure growth and ongoing integration with the local community.

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ernest Govea, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, presents a plaque and shakes hands with Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Soto, out-going sergeant major, MCB Camp Blaz, during a relief ceremony at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, June 11, 2025. Soto, MCB Camp Blaz’s first sergeant major, relinquished his duties during a ceremony aboard the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ernest Govea, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, presents a plaque and shakes hands with Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Soto, out-going sergeant major, MCB Camp Blaz, during a relief ceremony at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, June 11, 2025. Soto, MCB Camp Blaz’s first sergeant major, relinquished his duties during a ceremony aboard the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Relief Ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Soto

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Soto relinquished his duties as the senior enlisted leader during a Relief Ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, June 11, 2025. Soto was appointed on Feb. 16, 2023, and he made history as MCB Camp Blaz’s first-ever Sergeant Major since its official activation in 2020. Upon arrival, Soto has played a crucial role in strengthening the Marine Corps community on the island, fostering leadership, and enhancing readiness throughout the command. “I want to show you what right looks like - I want to show you Camp Blaz,” said Soto. "These young men and women are charged to come out here every single day to make a difference, to be good stewards, and to represent the Marine Corps and Camp Blaz. They are out here to protect the Indo-Pacific, so you and I can sit here at ease and at peace. This is because of Marines like this behind me standing in formation. They don’t miss a beat." During his tenure, Soto was integral in the establishment and operationalization of the installation. He was instrumental in the relocation of the first Marine Corps unit from Okinawa, shaping key policy decisions and strategic direction, and supporting quality of life improvements to enhance morale and operational readiness.

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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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