USO Guam Overcomes Logistical and Supply Obstacles to Bring Support to Service Members on Small Islands in the Pacific

Deep in the Pacific Ocean lies the Northern Marianna Islands, also known as CMNI, a self-governing commonwealth of 14 islands and islets that is one of the United States’ territories. Nearby, in the same chain of islands, is the politically separate island and additional U.S. territory of Guam.

Guam is home to multiple U.S. military installations with Andersen Air Base and Naval Base Guam currently being the main two. Due to the current needs and strategic plans of the Department of Defense, the military presence on the island will only continue to grow. With that expansion comes an increase in military personnel deployed to the surrounding areas for military exercises, both on Guam and on the various islands of the CMNI. There are many climate, logistical and operational challenges faced by service members during these trainings, but the USO is there to ease some of the stress and struggles.

Outreach Operations: Saipan

The USO Guam area office is made up of three staff members and an array of passionate volunteers. Whether it is supporting the area’s three centers and the center staff or finding new avenues to expand the organization’s military support in their area of operation, the USO Guam team is actively strengthening the wellbeing of the military community on Guam and on surrounding islands, with outreach operations mostly focused on the units stationed and deployed to the CMNI area.

Saipan, the largest Northern Marianas Island, has a population of approximately 46,800 residents and is home to U.S. Army Reserve 302 Field Service Company and a small group of Coast Guardsman. With both units being permanent stations, it allows the USO to provide more of our standard programming. For example, the area office is actively planning out potential Coffee Connections possibilities to foster relationships between spouses and considering locations to host a Special Delivery baby shower in celebration of the Army Reserve families expecting or just entering parenthood.

Additionally, USO Guam has been able to host or support multiple events for the families on the island. In December, just before Christmas, the team traveled over to celebrate the season with a Jingle & Mingle event. The 100 plus attendees were treated to train rides, face painting, a cookie decorating table and ornament crafts. Even Santa Claus himself made a visit to meet the kids and pose for pictures! A couple days before the Jingle & Minge event, the team hosted a Sleigh Bell Social Coffee Connections to bring spouses together to build community over a little Holiday bingo, creative painting and delicious snacks. In April, the Army Reserve unit hosted their Run Babies Run event that honored military children and celebrated Easter. Though the team was unable to attend, USO Guam was able to support with goodies and activities that were shipped over.

“USO Guam is often there to offer support for family events, providing resources that truly enhance the experience for our military families. Our families are deeply appreciative of their commitment to strengthening our military community,” said Sgt. Charlene Masiwemai, the command family readiness representative for 302ND Quartermaster Company Detachment 1.

Outreach Operations: Tinian

Tinian, the second largest of the CMNIs, is home to around 2,000 residents with about 80 service members currently deployed to the area – U.S. Navy Seabees and one of the Air Force’s RED HORSE, standing for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, squadrons. Both units are deployed to the area to improve infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific theater in support of the current Department of Defense (DoD) preparations and strategy. The Seabees, the Navy’s construction force, are in Tinian repairing roads, constructing an operational base and other various projects in efforts to prepare for the future and build community relations with the local population. Meanwhile, the RED HORSE squadron is actively revitalizing North Field, a World War II airfield. After being abandoned post-World War II, the Air Force is recommissioning the runways to build up the fleet’s air resources throughout the Pacific.

With no physical installation nearby, typical base accommodations are unavailable. For sleeping arrangements, both units are residing in two of the only motels in Tinian with service members sharing rooms. Each motel has a small lounge as a place to use Wi-Fi, grab a small snack and unwind through gaming. For physical fitness, there are a couple Beaver Fits, a portable container gym designed to allow strength training possibilities in confined or austere locations. One of the Beaver Fits and some of the lounge amenities are one way the USO has supported the service members on the island. These lounges are also crucial as they provide an escape from the area’s weather.

With average yearly temperatures in the 80s, and humidity that can rival the feel of walking through thick soup, the service members in the area are faced with a hot climate. Couple that with the area’s non-drinkable water and there can be challenges to staying cool and hydrated, solidifying the need for bottled water. However, the geographic and supply hardships present their own set of problems, once again proving the value of supporting our military in the area.

Through creativity and partners, USO Guam has found ways to overcome shipping and transportation challenges to provide some amenities to the deployed military personnel. At times, the team has pre-wrapped and packed suitcases full of supplies to bring over from Guam - sometimes it may be items for games or it may be hot dogs for a cookout. Even the way the items are packed must be considered as the transportation to Tinian is with a regional commuter airline on a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftains, a ten-passenger airplane, or one of the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Sixes that carries six passengers. Each pound of weight is accounted for, from every person to every bag, and passengers are charged extra for anything over their allotment as this limits the number of individuals who can take that specific flight. Thus, the weight of items and size must be considered when planning operations to the small island. Though service members deployed to Tinian may have a couple days of leave here or there, these same transportation travels limit their options.

In December, the USO Guam team put their creativity to use and delivered a little Christmas cheer to the sailors and airmen with a Jingle Beach Bash. Complete with a Christmas-themed backdrop and inflatables set up on a stage – the most efficient avenue to bring a Christmas tree to Tinian with the supply challenges – and a delicious catered meal from a local restaurant, the deployed service members enjoyed a taste of the holiday season. A little friendly competition paved the way for relationships to be cultivated as teams competed in fun games like trivia and interactive games. The highlight was certainly the Gingerbread House competition! The afternoon’s event was sandwiched between a couple rounds of touch football and ultimate frisbee before service members departed with USO Holiday care packages.

“With service members often stationed thousands of miles from their loved ones, the USO’s continued presence is vital in helping them stay connected to home,” expressed USO Guam Area Operations Specialist Aliciana Santos. “This support is especially meaningful in remote locations like Tinian, where access to familiar comforts and communication can be limited. In these isolated settings, the USO’s efforts serve as a powerful reminder that these service members are neither forgotten nor alone. By being there, the USO brings a sense of connection and comfort, helping bridge the distance between them and home.”

It Takes All of Us

From shipping items to attending events in person, none of it is possible without USO Guam’s great mission partners, one of which is Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Founded by Jack Taylor, a decorated World War II veteran, Enterprise is proud to assist the USO in comprehensive support of our military community, especially within the USO Indo-Pacific region. Enterprise, named by Jack as a tribute to the aircraft carrier he served on, has been dedicated to serving those who serve for over six decades.

Enterprise’s support has been a vital piece to the success of USO Guam’s outreach efforts. As the islands in that area are not connected by roadways, the team is required to travel by air to the CMNI and are unable to bring a vehicle. Thanks to Enterprise, transportation in Saipan is never in question. With their assistance, the team can be mobile and are able to carry all the necessary supplies for each program.

“Meeting mobility needs is just one of the many ways we support U.S. military members and their families,” said Robert Paulino, general manager of Enterprise Guam. “We are honored to partner with the USO in its mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country.”

In addition to outreach operations, Enterprise is also an avid supporter of center events and programs. From special activations for the holiday season and Military Appreciation Month to various programming throughout the year, Enterprise contributes to the USO mission of strengthening the wellbeing of the military community.

The communal love for service members and their families doesn’t stop with Enterprise as other partners have also been valuable to USO Guam’s outreach as well. From assistance with flights to and from Guam over to the CMNI or a shipping partner who transports larger and heavier packages, it is through collaboration that makes the extensive outreach operations possible.

Going Where They Go

The challenges faced by the islands in that part of the world have led to further support, even in areas that our teams are unable to visit physically. USO Andersen joined the Andersen Air Base community for the 73rd Operation Christmas Drop in December – a humanitarian initiative to provide necessities to 60 islands throughout Micronesia that face even further challenges of accessing supplies. Additionally, through expeditionary efforts, holiday care packages were delivered to troops deployed in Peleliu.

It is important for our military personnel to know that we are supporting them no matter where they go, even in some of the most austere and remote locations. From USO2GO kits to USO care packages, teams around the organization are ready to fulfill your need. Learn how the USO is always by your unit’s side and how to request support here.