Finally, I get a chance to post something. If you're keeping up with our deployment, you'll know we recently visited Guam for a few weeks. It definitely wasn't what everyone expected. From training to liberty, it was definitely not what I expected.
TRAINING: I had pictured our training area to be right in the middle of the jungles and wilds of Guam, getting eaten up by mosquitoes, sweating to death with no signs of civilization anywhere near. Boy was I wrong.
We ended up setting up on one of the many Naval Bases in Guam, known as NCTMS. However, instead of pushing through the jungles, we dropped our packs in a large cleared area that seems to have been used for Base Housing in the past. I could tell because in certain areas, you could still see where the driveways use to be. Also because there were still a few homes still up nearby. I thought that was a little odd... funny, but odd.
Some even had families still living in them. I would hate to live there. Think about it... 75% of the time, nothing goes on around there, but for a few weeks here come the Marines with everything they have, they make their home right next to yours and start training. Amazingly, these people actually enjoyed having us nearby. In fact, that seemed to be the attitude EVERYONE had in Guam towards us Marines, which is something we are not accustomed to. As you well know, Marines are stereotyped to be loud, obnoxious, aggressive, etc. That may be true for some, but not for the majority.
Marines just train hard and play harder... what do you expect when you're in the field for weeks at a time, no downtime and you get 1-2 days of free time? Of course, you're going to take advantage of every minute of those 1-2 days, which is what Marines do. Granted, some go overboard, but hey... college isn't much different. Enough on that...
The BLT was able to get some great training in, to include my Marines... while I was stuck as Watch Officer and other duties... how exciting for.
To keep things short, I've provided some links to news articles about the 31MEU and the BLT while in Guam:
USMC.MIL & USMC.MIL
Pacific Magazine
DCMilitary.com
The Pacific Edge
Military.com
I'm sure there are plenty more. These are just a few. You can also go to the 31st MEU website. I can't access it from here, but there's some good stuff on there.
LIBERTY: After all that training, everyone was able to get a few days of liberty(time off) and check out the sites in Guam. This island has a lot of history and the Marine Corps has history here, as well. In fact, the major road that runs through Guam is named "Marine Corps Drive". How's that for motivation! They also are very much into their historical culture and keeping it a part of the Guam atmosphere for future generations to experience.
One thing I will never forget about Guam and the people of Guam was the hospitality we received. Never in my time in the Corps and many others that have been around years longer than me have we experienced this type of treatment, appreciation and respect from fellow Americans or anyone for that matter, so if you ever have the opportunity to be stationed in Guam, TAKE IT! It will definitely be an experience you and your family will never forget.
I'll hit a few major highlights we experienced while on liberty. If you want to know more let me know. There's just too much to talk about in one post:
TUMON BAY: This is an area of Guam that is located right along the shores of the awesome beaches of Guam. One thing I found very odd was how many Japanese tourists are here... every single day. I later learned that Japanese love visiting Guam and it shows because they come by the busloads. It's evident everywhere you go in the Tumon area. I felt as if I were back in Okinawa and that's no exaggeration.
The locals say that Guam is to Japanese what Hawaii is to Americans because it is so much closer and I can see why. Everything from the hotels, the stores, restaurants, television channels to the stores.. did I say that already?
Here a some links on the Tumon Area:
Guam Online
What To Do In Guam
Nightlife In Guam
Guam's Visitors Bureau
Military and headed to Guam temporarily or permanently? Check out this site.
ASSAN TOUR: We were fortunate to be able to experience a Battle site Tour of Guam. Some companies were able to see more than others, but we all were able to gain a lot more respect for what happened on this island. Many Marines lost their lives defending Guam. It's quite an experience to actually stand on the ground where Marines once landing to fight the Japanese that had a stronghold on Guam.
The tour guide knew quite a bit about the history of Guam and the Marine Corps's role during the battles here on Guam.
To read more about the history of Guam and the Marine Corps on Guam, here are a few links:
Wiki-Asan, Guam
Historical Landmarks
Guam's Culture
3rd MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION: Without a doubt, the best time we had was at a BBQ, hosted by the 3rd Marine Division Association! For 7 days straight, after every battle sight tour, the Marines were transported(on 7 tons) up in the mountains to a piece of land owned by a Marine Corps vet. This man voluntarily donated a piece of his land to this association and as a result, they have managed to build a small museum and collection of military vehicles, signs, weapons, etc. They've even got a sweet looking motorcycle custom made for them!
What's more, the BBQ was possibly the best one I've ever been to! Not only did they have awesome food, but they had enough to go around and around all night, every night! Can you believe they had enough beer to sustain the entire night... yes, EVERY NIGHT! If you know Marines, that's one thing they can definitely do is drink.
The Marines had a great time. At the end of the night, a group of traditional dancers ranging from ages 4 to 40 all came out and performed traditional dances. Very cool.
Unfortunately, due to the slow connection I have here, I can't upload any photos here, but when I get a chance, I'll be uploading them to my Flickr page, so check back.
That's about it for now. As the people of Guam say... "HAFA ADAI!"
Gunnery Sgt. William J. Ray, Jr.
