GovGuam and Joint Region Marianas strengthen One Guam Approach after Ballistic Missile Exercise

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense, Joint Region Marianas, U.S. Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base, and other local and federal agencies participated in a ballistic missile exercise, April 24. 

Following the exercise, participating federal and local agencies evaluated their performance and processes and established an improved baseline to further strengthen island-wide collaboration and coordination. 

The exercise was one of several ongoing and concerted One Guam efforts among JRM and GHS/OCD and federal and local partners to increase readiness and cooperation in case of crisis. The exercise increased collaboration among incident commands, unified commands and other emergency operation centers.

“This exercise was one very important step in our effort to work together as One Guam. The exercise taught us how we can improve the flow of information and collaborate among Department of Defense, government of Guam and other local and federal agencies,” said Joint Region Marianas commander, Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield. “Not only will the lessons we learned today strengthen our ability to respond to this type of event, but they will prepare us for many other types of crises we may have to face together as an island.”

Guam Homeland Security also felt the exercise served as an important effort to increase island-wide cooperation.

“We achieved the end goal of the exercise by sharing information with partners, expanding coordination and cooperation between the different participants and are able to move forward and establish recommendations for future preparedness exercises and efforts,” said George Charfauros, Office of Guam Homeland Security Advisor. “The joint exercise is one way our office is working with the Department of Defense and local and federal agencies to improve response before, during and after an imminent missile attack. Though it is unlikely, it is important to train for all-hazards.”

GHS/OCD Public Affairs, working with JRM and other local and federal stakeholders are working toward an aggressive public information campaign in the event of this type of threat as well as all-hazards that the island may face. To date, informational public service announcements and fact sheets have been generated for the community. Visit ww.ghs.guam.gov to learn more. 

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer, Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov or the JRM Public Affairs Office at (671) 349-4055 or via