Guam troops deploy to Middle East and Caribbean for counter-terrorism operations

Approximately 70 members of the Guam Air National Guard (GUNG) are being deployed to the Middle East and the Caribbean as part of U.S. military operations. The deployment will support the Department of War's anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics campaigns, specifically contributing to Central Command's Operation Inherent Resolve and Southern Command's Operation Southern Spear.

Brigadier General Karin Watson, the adjutant general, addressed the departing guardsmen, emphasizing that their training has prepared them for such missions. "We train for days like this. We sweat, we sacrifice and we push through the grueling hours so that when the call comes, we don’t hesitate. Well, that call has come," Watson stated at the Barrigada headquarters.

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We train for days like this. We sweat, we sacrifice and we push through the grueling hours so that when the call comes, we don’t hesitate. Well, that call has come.

Watson encouraged the guardsmen to rely on their training, faith, abilities, and leadership, and to always prioritize their colleagues' safety. "Trust your training, trust your faith, trust in your own abilities, trust your leadership and always look out for your wingman," she advised. She further urged them to perform their duties with excellence, uphold Guam's honor, and ensure their safe return.

Guam has a notably high per-capita enlistment rate in the U.S. military, making it a significant recruiting ground. The deployment underscores the island's contribution to national security efforts abroad. The guardsmen are expected to engage in critical operations aimed at combating global security threats.

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Trust your training, trust your faith, trust in your own abilities, trust your leadership and always look out for your wingman. Do your jobs with excellence, represent our island of Guam with honor and bring yourselves and each other home safely.