Guam (i/ˈɡwɑːm/; Chamorro: Guåhån) is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government.[2][3] Guam is listed as one of sixteen Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United Nations.[4] Sony VGP-BPL13 Battery
The island's capital is Hagåtña (formerly Agaña). Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands.
The Chamorros, Guam's indigenous people, first populated the island approximately 4,000 years ago.[5] Sony VGP-BPS13 Battery
The island has a long history of European colonialism. Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan during a Spanish expedition on March 6, 1521, the first colony was established in 1668 by Spain with the arrival of settlers including Padre San Vitores, a Catholicmissionary. For more than two centuries Guam was an important stopover for the Spanish Manila Galleons that crossed the Pacific annually. Sony VGP-BPS13/B Battery
The island was controlled by Spain until 1898, when it was surrendered to the United States during theSpanish-American War and later formally ceded as part of the Treaty of Paris.
As the largest island in Micronesia and the only U.S. held island in the region before WW II, Guam was captured by theJapanese on December 8, 1941, hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and was occupied for two and a half years. Sony VGP-BPS13/S Battery
During the occupation, the people of Guam were subjected to acts that included torture, beheadings and rape,[6] and were forced to adopt the Japanese culture.[7] Guam was subject to fierce fighting when U.S. troops recaptured the island on July 21, 1944, a date commemorated every year as Liberation Day.[8] Sony VGP-BPS13/S Battery
Today, Guam's economy is supported by its principal industry, tourism, which is composed primarily of visitors from Japan. Guam's second largest source of income is the United States military.
Guam was first discovered by people from southeastern Indonesia around 2000 BC. Sony VGP-BPS13A/B Battery
Most of what is known about pre-contact ("Ancient") Chamorros comes from legends and myths, archaeological evidence, Jesuit missionary accounts, and observations from visiting scientists like Otto von Kotzebue and Louis de Freycinet.
When Europeans first arrived on Guam, Chamorro society had three classes: matua (upper class), achaot (middle class), and mana'chang (lower class). Sony VGP-BPS13A/S Battery
The matua were located in the coastal villages, which meant they had the best access to fishing grounds, whereas the mana'chang were located in the interior of the island. Matua and mana'chang rarely communicated with each other, and matua often used achaot as an intermediary. Sony VGP-BPS13AS Battery
There were also "makåhna" (similar to shamans), skilled in healing and medicine. Belief in spirits of ancient Chamorros called "Taotao mo'na" still persists as a remnant of pre-European culture. When Magellan arrived on Guam, he was greeted by hundreds of small outrigger canoes that appeared to be flying over the water, due to their considerable speed. Sony VGP-BPS13B/B Battery
These outrigger canoes were called Proas, and resulted in Magellan naming Guam Islas de las Velas Latinas ("Islands of the Lateen Sails").
Guam, the only Spanish outpost in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, became the regular port between Acapulco, Sony VGP-BPS13B/Q Battery
Mexico, and Manila from 1565 to 1815, and (since Philippine independence) the most western outpost of actualUnited States territory in the Pacific. It is the biggest single segment of Micronesia, the largest islands between the islands of Kyushu (Japan), New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Hawaiian Islands. Sony VGP-BPS13B/S Battery
Latte stones are stone pillars that are found only in the Mariana Islands and are a recent development in Pre-Contact Chamorro society. The latte stone was used as a foundation on which thatched huts were built. Latte consist of a base shaped from limestone called the haligi and with a capstone, Sony VGP-BPS13Q Battery
or tåsa, made either from a large brain coral or limestone, placed on top. Using carbon-dating, archaeologists have broken Pre-Contact Guam (i.e. Chamorro) history into three periods: "Pre-Latte" (BC 2000? to AD 1) "Transitional Pre-Latte" (AD 1 to AD 1000), and "Latte" (AD 1000 to AD 1521). Sony VGP-BPS13S Battery
Archaeological evidence also suggests that Chamorro society was on the verge of another transition phase by 1521, as latte stones became bigger. Assuming the larger latte stones were used for chiefly houses, it can be argued that Chamorro society was becoming more stratified, either from population growth or the arrival of new people. Sony VGP-BPL21 Battery
The theory remains tenuous, however, due to lack of evidence, but if proven correct, would support the idea that Pre-Contact Chamorros were in a transitioning society.
Spanish colonization and the Manila galleons
Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for the King of Spain, reached the island in 1521 during his fleet's circumnavigation of the globe. Sony VGP-BPS21 Battery
GeneralMiguel López de Legazpi claimed Guam for Spain in 1565. Spanish colonization commenced in 1668 with the arrival of Padre San Vitores, who established the first Catholic mission. The islands were part of the Spanish East Indies governed from the Philippines, which were in turn part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain based in Mexico City. Sony VGP-BPS21/S Battery
Between 1668 and 1815, Guam was an important resting stop for the Spanish Manila galleons, a fleet that covered the Pacific trade route between Acapulco(Mexico) and Manila (Philippines). To protect these Pacific fleets, Spain built a number of defensive structures such as Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad inUmatac, which are still standing today. Sony VGP-BPS21A Battery
Other reminiscences of colonial times include the old Governor's Palace in Plaza de España and the Spanish Bridge, both in Hagatña. Guam's Cathedral Dulce Nombre de Maria was also built during Spanish times in the 17th century. Guam, along with the rest of the Mariana andCaroline Islands, were treated as part of Spain's colony in the Philippines. Sony VGP-BPS21A/B Battery
While Guam's Chamorro culture has indigenous roots, the cultures of both Guam and the Northern Marianas have many similarities with Spanish and Mexican culture due to three centuries of Spanish rule.[9]
The Spanish-American War and World War II
The United States took control of the island in the 1898 Spanish-American War, as part of the Treaty of Paris (1898). Sony VGP-BPS21B Battery
Guam came to serve as a station for American ships traveling to and from the Philippines, while the Northern Mariana Islands passed to Germany, and then to Japan.[9]
During World War II, Guam was attacked and invaded by the armed forces of Japan on December 8, 1941. Sony VAIO PCG-3B1M Battery
The Northern Mariana Islands had become a Japanese protectorate before the war. It was the Chamorros from the Northern Marianas who were brought to Guam to serve as interpreters and in other capacities for the occupying Japanese force. The Guamanian Chamorros were treated as an occupied enemy by the Japanese military. Sony VAIO PCG-3C1T Battery
After the war, this would cause resentment between the Guamanian Chamorros and the Chamorros of the Northern Marianas. Guam's Chamorros believed their northern brethren should have been compassionate towards them, whereas having been occupied for over 30 years, the Northern Mariana Chamorros were loyal to Japan. Sony VAIO PCG-3D1M Battery
Guam's Japanese occupation lasted for approximately thirty-one months. During this period, the indigenous people of Guam were subjected to forced labor, family separation, incarceration, execution, concentration camps and forced prostitution. Approximately one thousand people died during the occupation, according to Congressional Testimony in 2004. Sony VAIO PCG-3G2M Battery
Some historians estimate that war violence killed 10% of Guam's some 20,000 population.[10]
The United States returned and fought the Battle of Guam on July 21, 1944, to recapture the island from Japanese military occupation. More than 18,000 Japanese were killed as only 485 surrendered. Sony VAIO PCG-5R1M Battery
Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi, who surrendered in January 1972, appears to have been the last confirmed Japanese holdout in Guam.[11] To this day, Guam remains the only U.S. soil with a sizeable population to have been occupied by a foreign military power, since the War of 1812. The United States also captured and occupied the Northern Marianas. Sony VAIO PCG-7141M Battery
Post-war
After the war, the Guam Organic Act of 1950, established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, provided for the structure of the island's civilian government, and granted the people U.S. citizenship. Sony VAIO PCG-7143M Battery
Since Guam is not a U.S. state, U.S. citizens residing on Guam are not allowed to vote for president and their congressional representative is a non-voting member.[9]
Proposed name change
The name "Guam" is an exonym, first officially used at the establishment of American rule. Sony VAIO PCG-7151M Battery
In his final State of the Island Address on February 15, 2010, Governor Félix Camacho called for Guam to formally be henceforth referred to asGuahan (Guåhån), the name of the island in the indigenous Chamorro language,[12] and issued an executive order to make it official.[13] Sony VAIO PCG-7154M Battery
Camacho simultaneously began referring to himself as the "Governor of Guahan."[14]
According to historian Toni Ramírez of the Historic Preservation Office of the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, the name Guahan means "we have"[13] or "a place that has",[12] Sony VAIO PCG-7162M Battery
in reference to the island's rivers and other natural resources, which were relatively rare on other neighboring Micronesian islands.[13]
Guahan or Guaján was the name widely used on the island between 1521 and 1898.[12][15] Sony VAIO PCG-7181M Battery
However, both the names Guam and Guahan appear in historic documents and maps dating back hundreds of years, according to Peter Onedera, a historian and Chamorro language professor at the University of Guam.[14] Richard Leary, the first United States Naval Governor of the island, adopted the name Guam in 1900 when he called it "isle of Guam."[13][14] Sony VAIO PCG-41112M Battery
Two-term Governor Camacho, who could not seek a third term, left office in 2011.[14] He explained in his final State of the Island Address that the name change will solidify his legacy as governor and cement his place in history.[14] He argues that the change to Guahan will reaffirm the island's distinct identity and Chamorro cultural heritage.[13] Sony VAIO PCG-7153M Battery
Camacho's order specifically states that the change "enhances the practice of the Chamorro language and promotes the historic and cultural connection to the island".[14] The executive order will apply to only local Guamanian government institutions, official communications, business transactions and signs at this time.[14] Sony VAIO PCG-71312M Battery
However, Camacho expressed interest in having community leaders, businesses and lawmakers adopt the Guahan name as well.[14] He further announced that he would introduce Bill 331 in the Guam Legislature to change the name to Guahan in law.[12] The executive order does not have a set deadline for agencies to adopt the change, Sony VAIO PCG-7144M Battery
in order to lessen any time or monetary burdens on the government during a prolonged economic recession.[14] Changes should be made when it is most convenient for the government agency, such as ordering new office letterhead.[14]
Reaction to the proposed change was mixed among both lawmakers and residents. Sony VAIO PCG-7191L Battery
Speaker of the legislature Judith Won Pat noted that the change could help restore a perceived loss of identity in Guam.[13] She told the media, "This is the age where, throughout the world, people want to know who they are and find their identity. This is very important for Guam as well."[13] Sony VAIO PCG-3C1M Battery
Author and former senator Katherine Aguon, who recently published a Chamorro–English dictionary, also supported the name change, but emphasized that any proposal should be approved by Guamanian voters.[14]
An official, sanctioned name change may have some economic repercussions on the island. Sony VAIO PCG-3F1M Battery
Then senator (and later governor) Eddie Calvo, while supporting the order, noted that the costs of changing the name on signage, documents and advertising campaigns would have to be taken into account.[13] The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), which has spent millions of dollars to brand GuamSony VAIO PCG-3H1M Battery
as a major tourist and business destination using the island's current name, recently launched a new marketing campaign called "We Are Guam".[16] The economic costs of changing all road and welcome signs, as well as documents and tourism campaigns, would have to be evaluated.[16] Sony VAIO PCG-3J1M Battery
Guam lies between 13.2°N and 13.7°N and between 144.6°E and 145.0°E, and has an area of 212 square miles (549 km2), making it the 32nd largest island of the United States. It is the southernmost and largest island in the Mariana island chain and is also the largest island in Micronesia. Sony VAIO PCG-8141M Battery
This island chain was created by the colliding Pacific and Philippine Sea tectonic plates. Guam is the closest land mass to the Mariana Trench, a deep subduction zone, that lies beside the island chain to the east. Challenger Deep, the deepest surveyed point in the Oceans, is southwest of Guam at 35,797 feet (10,911 m) deep. Sony VAIO PCG-8161M Battery
The highest point in Guam is Mount Lamlam, which is 1,332 feet (406 m).
The island of Guam is 30 miles (48 km) long and 4 miles (6 km) to 12 miles (19 km) wide. The island experiences occasional earthquakes due to its location on the western edge of the Pacific Plate and near the Philippine Sea Plate. Sony VAIO PCG-3C2M Battery
In recent years, earthquakes with epicenters near Guam have had magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 8.7. Unlike the Anatahanvolcano in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam is not volcanically active.[17] However, due to its proximity to Anatahan, vog does occasionally affect Guam.[18] Sony VAIO PCG-5N2M Battery
A coral table reef with deepwater channels surrounds most of Guam. Sandy beaches, rock cliff lines and mangroves characterize the coastline area. Sheer limestone coastal cliffs dominate the north, while the southern end of the island is mountainous, with lower hills in between.[1]
Climate
The climate is characterized as tropical marine. The weather is generally hot and very humid with little seasonal temperature variation. Sony VAIO PCG-5P1M Battery
The mean high temperature is 86 °F (30 °C) and mean low is 76 °F (24 °C) with an average annual rainfall of 96 inches (2,180 mm). The dry season runs from December through June. The remaining months (July through November) constitute the rainy season. Sony VAIO PCG-5S1M Battery
The months of January and February are considered the coolest months of the year with night time temperatures in the mid to low 70s and generally lower humidity levels. The highest risk of typhoons is during October and November. They can, however, occur year-round. Sony VAIO PCG-9Z1M Battery
Guam is located in what has been nicknamed "Typhoon Alley" and it is common for the island to be threatened by tropical storms and possible typhoons during the wet season. The most intense typhoon to pass over Guam recently was Super Typhoon Pongsona, with sustained winds of 144 miles per hour, gusts to 173 miles per hour, Sony VAIO PCG-7171M Battery
which slammed Guam on December 8, 2002, leaving massive destruction.
Since Super Typhoon Pamela in 1976, wooden structures have been largely replaced by concrete structures.[19][20] During the 1980s wooden utility poles began to be replaced by typhoon-resistant concrete and steel poles. Sony VAIO PCG-7186M Battery
After the local Government enforced stricter construction codes, many home and business owners built their structures out of reinforced concrete with installed typhoon shutters.
Demographics
The largest ethnic group are the native Chamorros, accounting for 37.1% of the total population. Sony VAIO PCG-81112M Battery
Other significant ethnic groups include those of Filipino (25.5%), White (10%), European, often of Spanish and European American ancestry. The rest are of Chinese,Japanese and Korean ancestry. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, with 85% of the population claiming an affiliation with it. Sony VAIO PCG-31311M Battery
While the population of Guam increased only by 2.9% from 2000 to 2010,[21] the programmed U.S. military buildup (2010–14) will cause an unprecedented surge of approximately 40% or nearly 80,000 people at the peak of constructions.[22]
The official languages of the island are English and Chamorro. Sony VAIO PCG-8152M Battery
Culture
Traditional Chamorro culture is a combination of indigenous pre-Hispanic customs and Spanish or Mexican traditions. It is manifested in Chamorro language, music, dance, sea navigation, unique cuisine, fishing, Sony VAIO PCG-31111M Battery
games (such as batu, chonka, estuleks, and bayogu), songs and fashion. During Spanish colonial rule (1668–1898) the majority of the population was converted to Roman Catholicism and religious festivities such as Easter and Christmas became widespread. Sony VAIO PCG-61111M Battery
Traditional Chamorro cuisine is largely based on corn, and includes tortillas, tamales, atole and chilaquiles, which are a clear influence from Mexico. The Chamorro language is a Malayo-Polynesian language with much Spanish influence. Many Chamorros also have Spanish surnames because of their conversion to Sony VAIO PCG-51112M Battery
Roman Catholic Christianity and the adoption of names from the Catálogo alfabético de apellidos, a phenomenon common to the Philippines.
Due to foreign cultural influence from Spain and the United States, important aspects of the early indigenous culture have been lost over the years, Sony VAIO PCG-51211M Battery
though there has been a resurgence in preserving this pre-Hispanic culture in the last few decades. Some scholars have traveled throughout the Pacific Islands conducting research to study what the original Chamorro cultural practices such as dance, language, and canoe building may have been like. Sony VAIO PCG-51212M Battery
Two aspects of indigenous pre-Hispanic culture that withstood time are chenchule' and inafa'maolek. Chenchule' is the intricate system of reciprocity at the heart of Chamorro society. It is rooted in the core value of inafa'maolek. Historian Lawrence Cunningham in 1992 wrote, Sony VAIO PCG-41111M Battery
"In a Chamorro sense, the land and its produce belong to everyone. Inafa'maolek, or interdependence, is the key, or central value, in Chamorro culture ... Inafa'maolek depends on a spirit of cooperation and sharing. This is the armature, or core, that everything in Chamorro culture revolves around. Sony VAIO PCG-41111V Battery
It is a powerful concern for mutuality rather than individualism and private property rights."
The core culture or Pengngan Chamorro is based on complex social protocol centered upon respect: From sniffing over the hands of the elders (called mangnginge in Chamorro), the passing down of legends, chants, and courtship rituals, Sony VAIO PCG-61412V Battery
to a person asking for permission from spiritual ancestors before entering a jungle or ancient battle grounds. Other practices predating Spanish conquest include galaide' canoe-making, making of the belembaotuyan (a string musical instrument made from a gourd), fashioning of åcho' atupat slings and slingstones, tool manufacture, Måtan Guma' burial rituals, and preparation of herbalmedicines by Suruhanu. Sony VAIO PCG-71112M Battery
Master craftsmen and women specialize in weavings, including plaited work (niyok- and åkgak-leaf baskets, mats, bags, hats, and food containments), loom-woven material (kalachucha-hibiscus and banana fiber skirts, belts and burial shrouds), and body ornamentationSony VAIO PCG-81111V Battery
(bead and shell necklaces, bracelets, earrings, belts and combs made from tortoise shells) and Spondylus.
The cosmopolitan nature of modern Guam poses challenges for Chamorros struggling to preserve their culture and identity amidst forces of acculturation. Sony VAIO PCG-81111V Battery
The increasing numbers of Chamorros, especially Chamorro youth, relocating to the U.S. Mainland has further complicated both definition and preservation of Chamorro identity. While only a few masters exist to continue traditional art forms, Sony VAIO PCG-81212M Battery
the resurgence of interest among the Chamorros to preserve the language and culture has resulted in a growing number of young Chamorros who seek to continue the ancient ways of the Chamorro people.
Government and politics
Guam is governed by a popularly elected governor and a unicameral 15-member legislature, whose members are known as senators. Sony VAIO PCG-81212V Battery
Guam elects one non-voting delegate, currently Democrat Madeleine Z. Bordallo, to the United States House of Representatives. U.S. citizens in Guam vote in a straw poll for their choice in the U.S. Presidential general election, but since Guam has no votes in the Electoral College, the poll has no real effect. Sony VAIO PCG-51111M Battery
However, in sending delegates to the Republican and Democratic national conventions, Guam does have influence in the national presidential race. These delegates are elected by local partyconventions.[9]
In the 1980s and early 1990s, there was a significant movement in favor of the territory becoming a commonwealth, Sony VAIO VPCS13X9E/B battery
which would give it a level of self-government similar to Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, the federal government rejected the version of a commonwealth that the government of Guam proposed, due to it having clauses incompatible with theTerritorial Clause (Art. IV, Sec. 3, cl. 2) of the U.S. Constitution. Sony VAIO VPCS12V9E/B battery
Other movements are also in existence that advocate becoming a U.S. state, union with the state of Hawaii, union with the Northern Mariana Islands as a single territory, or independence.
Guam is divided into 19 municipalities commonly called villages: Sony VAIO VPCS12V9E/B battery
Agana Heights, Agat, Asan‑Maina, Barrigada,Chalan‑Pago‑Ordot, Dededo, Hagåtña, Inarajan, Mangilao, Merizo, Mongmong‑Toto‑Maite, Piti, Santa Rita, Sinajana, Talofofo,Tamuning, Umatac, Yigo, Yona.
The U.S. military maintains jurisdiction over its bases, which cover approximately 39,000 acres (16,000 ha), or 29% of the island's total land area: Sony VAIO VPCF13M8E/B battery
- U.S. Naval Base Guam, U.S. Navy – Sumay
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, – Sumay
- Andersen Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force – Yigo
- Apra Harbor – Orote peninsula
Ordnance Annex, U.S. Navy – South Central Highlands (formerly known as Naval Magazine) Sony VAIO VPCF13Z0E/B battery
- Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, U.S. Navy – Barrigada and Finegayan
Joint Force Headquarters-Guam, Guam National Guard – Radio Barrigada and Fort Juan MunaSony VAIO VPCM13M1E/L battery
In addition to on-shore military installations, Guam, along with the rest of the Mariana Islands, is being prepared to be the westernmost military training range for the U.S. Guam is currently viewed as a key military hub that will further allow U.S. military power to be projected via sea and sky. Sony VAIO VPCM13M1E/W battery
The U.S. military has proposed to build a new aircraft carrier berth on Guam and to move 8,600 Marines, and 9,000 of their dependents, to Guam from Okinawa, Japan. Including the required construction workers, this buildup would increase Guam's population by 45%. In a February 2010 letter, Sony VAIO VPCF22M1E battery
the United States Environmental Protection Agency sharply criticized these plans because of a water shortfall, sewage problems and the impact on coral reefs.[24] By 2012 these plans had been cut to only have a maximum of 4,800 Marines stationed on the island, two thirds of which would be there on a rotational basis without their dependents.[25] Sony VAIO VPCF11M1E/H battery
With the proposed increased military presence stemming from the upcoming preparation efforts and relocation efforts of U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam slated to begin in 2010 and last for the next several years thereafter, the amounts of total land that the military will control or tenant may grow to or surpass 40% of the entire landmass of Guam. Sony VAIO VPCF13M0E/B battery
In January, 2011, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for FY2011 indicated that recent significant events will delay the deadline for realigning U.S. Marine Corps service members and their families from Okinawa to Guam. The transfer may be as late as 2020. Sony VAIO VPCYB2M1E battery
In addition, the Defense Authorization Act cut approximately $320 million from the 2011 budget request.
Villagers and the military community are inter-connected in many ways. Many villagers serve in the military or are retired. Sony VAIO VPCYB3V1E battery
Many active duty personnel and Defense Department civilians also live in the villages outside of the military installation areas. The military and village communities have "adoption" programs where Guam's population and military personnel stationed in Guam perform community service projects. Sony VAIO VPCY11M1E battery
Economy
Guam's economy depends primarily on tourism, Department of Defense installations, and locally owned businesses. Although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transfer payments from the general revenues of the U.S. Sony VAIO VPCS12L9E/B battery
federal treasury into which Guam pays no income or excise taxes; under the provisions of a special law of Congress, the Guam treasury, rather than the U.S. treasury, receives federal income taxes paid by local taxpayers to include military and civilian federal employees assigned to Guam. Sony VAIO VPCF11S1E/B battery
Guam is a popular destination for Japanese tourists. Its tourist hub, Tumon, features over 20 large hotels, a Duty Free Shoppers Galleria, Pleasure Island district, indoor aquarium, Sandcastle Las Vegas–styled shows and other shopping and entertainment venues. Sony VAIO VPCYB3V1E/R Battery
It is a relatively short flight from Asia or Australia compared to Hawaii, with hotels and seven public golf courses accommodating over a million tourists per year. Although 75 percent of the tourists are Japanese, Guam receives a sizable number of tourists from South Korea, the U.S., the Philippines, and Taiwan.[ Sony VAIO VPCF23P1E Battery
Significant sources of revenue include duty-free designer shopping outlets, and the American-style malls: Micronesia Mall, Guam Premier Outlets, the Agana Shopping Center, and the world's largest Kmart.[27]
The economy had been stable since 2000 due to increased tourism, but took a recent downturn along with most of Asia. Sony VAIO VPCF23N1E Battery
It is expected to stabilize well ahead of the projected transfer of U.S. Marine Corps' 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, currently in Okinawa (approximately 8,000 Marines, along with their 10,000 dependents), to Guam between 2010 and 2015. In 2003, Guam had a 14% unemployment rate, and the government suffered a $314 million shortfall.[28] Sony VAIO VPCY21S1E/L Battery
The Compacts of Free Association between the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau accorded the former entities of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands a political status of "free association" with the United States. Sony VAIO VPCY21S1E/G battery
The Compacts give citizens of these island nations generally no restrictions to reside in the United States (also its territories), and many were attracted to Guam due to its proximity, environmental, and cultural familiarity. Sony VAIO VPCF24M1E battery
Over the years, it was claimed by some in Guam that the territory has had to bear the brunt of this agreement in the form of public assistance programs and public education for those from the regions involved, and the federal government should compensate the states and territories affected by this type of migration. HP Pavilion DV6-3000 Battery
Over the years, Congress had appropriated "Compact Impact" aids to Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Hawaii, and eventually this appropriation was written into each renewed Compact. Some, however, continue to claim the compensation is not enough or that the distribution of actual compensation received is significantly disproportionate. HP Pavilion DV6-3001AU Battery
Guam's largest single private sector employer, with about 1,400 jobs, is United Airlines, a subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc.[29] As of 2008 the airline's annual payroll in Guam was $90 million.[30] HP Pavilion DV6-3001AX Battery
Transportation and communications
Most of the island has state-of-the-art mobile phone services and high-speed internet widely available through either cable or DSL. Guam was added to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1997 (country code 671 became NANP area code 671),[31]removing the barrier of high cost international long-distance calls to the U.S. Mainland. HP Pavilion DV6-3001TU Battery
In 1899, the local postage stamps were overprinted "Guam" as was done for the other former Spanish colonies, but this was discontinued shortly thereafter and regular U.S. postage stamps have been used ever since. Because Guam is also part of the U.S. Postal System (postal abbreviation: HP Pavilion DV6-3001TX Battery
GU, ZIP code range: 96910–96932), mail to Guam from the U.S. mainland is considered domestic and no additional charges are required. Private shipping companies, such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL, however, have no obligation to and do not regard Guam as domestic. HP Pavilion DV6-3001XX Battery
The speed of mail traveling between Guam and the states varies depending on size and time of year. Light, first-class items generally take less than a week to or from the mainland, but larger first-class or Priority items can take a week or two. Fourth-class mail, such as magazines, are transported by sea after reaching Hawaii. HP Pavilion DV6-3002XX Battery
Most residents use post office boxes orprivate mail boxes, although residential delivery is becoming increasingly available. Incoming mail not from the Americas should be addressed to "Guam" instead of "USA" to avoid being routed the long way through the U.S. mainland and possibly charged a higher rate (especially from Asia). HP Pavilion DV6-3003XX Battery
The Commercial Port of Guam is the island's lifeline because most products must be shipped into Guam for consumers. The port is also the regional transhipment hub for over 500,000 customers throughout the Micronesian region. HP Pavilion DV6-3004AX Battery
The port is the shipping and receiving point for containers designated for the island's US Department of Defense installations, Andersen Air Force Base and Commander, Naval Forces Marianas and eventually the Third Marine Expeditionary Force.
Guam is served by the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, HP Pavilion DV6-3004TU Battery
which is a hub for United Airlines. The island is outside the United States customs zone so Guam is responsible for establishing and operating its own customs and quarantine agency and jurisdiction. Therefore, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only carries immigration (but not customs) functions. HP Pavilion DV6-3004TX Battery
Since Guam is under federal immigration jurisdiction, passengers arriving directly from the States skip immigration and proceed directly to Guam Customs and Quarantine.
However, due to the Guam and CNMI visa waiver program for certain countries, an eligibility pre-clearance check is carried on Guam for flights to the States. HP Pavilion DV6-3005TU Battery
For travel from the Northern Mariana Islands to Guam, a pre-flight passport and visa check is performed before boarding the flight to Guam. On flights from Guam to the Northern Mariana Islands, no immigration check is performed. Traveling between Guam and the States through a foreign point, however, does require a passport. HP Pavilion DV6-3005TX Battery
Most residents travel within Guam using personally owned vehicles. The local government currently outsources the only public bus system (Guam Regional Transit Authority), and some commercial companies operate buses between tourist-frequented locations. HP Pavilion DV6-3006TX Battery
Brown tree snake
Believed to be a stowaway on a U.S. military transport near the end of World War II, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) came to Guam and nearly eliminated the native bird population of an island that previously had no native species of snake; HP Pavilion DV6-3008TX Battery
this snake has no natural predators on the island. While slightly venomous, the brown tree snake is relatively harmless to human beings. Although some studies have suggested a high density of brown tree snakes on Guam, residents rarely see these nocturnal snakes. HP Pavilion DV6-3010AX Battery
The United States Department of Agriculture has trained detector dogs to keep brown tree snakes out of the island's cargo flow, and the United States Geological Survey has dogs capable of detecting snakes in forested environments around the region's islands.[32][33] HP Pavilion DV6-3010EL Battery
The consequence of the introduction of the brown tree snake has been significant over the past several decades. The reduction of local bird populations has been attributed to the introduction and presence of brown tree snakes, who eat them. According to many elders, HP Pavilion DV6-3010EZ Battery
koko birds were common in Guam prior to World War II; they are no longer around largely due to predation by brown tree snakes.[34]
Coconut rhinoceros beetle
An infestation of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros, was detected on Guam on September 12, 2007. HP Pavilion DV6-3011EL Battery
CRB is not known to occur in the United States except in American Samoa. Delimiting surveys performed September 13–25, 2007 indicated that the infestation was limited to Tumon Bay and Faifai Beach, an area of approximately 900 acres (3.6 km2). Guam Department of Agriculture (GDA) HP Pavilion DV6-3013CL Battery
placed quarantine on all properties within the Tumon area on October 5 and later expanded the quarantine to about 2,500 acres (10 km2) on October 25; approximately 0.5 miles (800 m) radius in all directions from all known locations of CRB infestation. CRB is native to Southern Asia and distributed throughout Asia and the Western Pacific including Sri Lanka, HP Pavilion DV6-3013SL Battery
Upolu, Western Samoa, American Samoa, Palau Islands, New Britain, West Irian, New Ireland, Pak Island and Manus Island (New Guinea), Fiji, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Mauritius, and Reunion.
Adults are the injurious stage of the insect. HP Pavilion DV6-3014SL Battery
They are generally night-time fliers and when they alight on a host, they chew down into the folded, emerging fronds of coconut palms to feed on sap. V-shaped cuts in the fronds and holes through the midrib are visible when the leaves grow out and unfold. If the growing tip is injured, the palm may be killed or severe loss of leaf tissue may cause decreased nut set. HP Pavilion DV6-3015TX Battery
Feeding wounds may also serve as an infection pathway for pathogens or other pests. The effects of adult boring may be more severe on younger palms where spears are narrower. Mortality of young palms has already been observed on Guam. Oviposition and larval development typically occurs in decaying coconut logs or stumps. HP Pavilion DV6-3016EZ Battery
Control measures have been developed for CRB and the current strategy on Guam is to implement an integrated eradication program using pheromone-baited, attractive traps to capture adults, various methods to eliminate infested and susceptible host material, and pesticides to kill larvae and adults. HP Pavilion DV6-3018SL Battery
Pesticides may also be applied to uninfested trees as a preventive treatment. USDA-APHIS has completed an Environmental Assessment for the coconut rhinoceros beetle eradication program on Guam (EA Number: GU-08-1, http://www.guaminsects.net/uogces/kbwiki/images/d/dc/CRB_EA.pdf). HP Pavilion DV6-3019SL Battery
The eradication program is a cooperative effort between USDA (APHIS and Forest Service), GDA and the University of Guam (UOG). This document follows the Forest Service Pest Risk Assessment (Kliejunas et al. 2001) format and is intended to provide information regarding the current status of CRB on Guam, HP Pavilion DV6-3019WM Battery
its potential to spread to uninfested locales, and the consequences of establishment. The high, moderate or low riskvalues are based on available biological information and the subjective judgment of the authors. In 2010, GDA and UOG set out to introduce a virus in the adult population designed to kill the beetle through infection by beetles released from the labs. HP Pavilion DV6-3020TX Battery
In June 2010, during a controlled release of infected adult beetles and in a joint venture with a team from New Zealand, they discovered "...unusual rhino beetle behavior: the beetles were not breeding on the ground in decayed logs as normal; they were breeding in the detritus trapped in the tree branches. HP Pavilion DV6-3021SL Battery
In cutting down 11 large coconut palms they found a complete ecosystem in the crowns including brown tree snakes, crabs, and, unfortunately, all life stages of rhinoceros beetles, from eggs to larva to young adults. This new discovery makes the release of the bio-control virus even more vital. HP Pavilion DV6-3021TX Battery
Moore thinks this arboreal breeding behavior, seen only on Guam, may be because the brown tree snake has wiped out most of Guam's rats. Elsewhere, rats love to live in coconut crowns, and they love to eat rhino beetle grubs. This never-before-seen rhino beetle behavior of breeding in the crowns of coconut trees underscores an important point of invasive species on small islands. HP Pavilion DV6-3022TX Battery
Their impact is often severe because there are no natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or diseases, to control their population growth."[35]
A joint initiative between Guam Customs & Quarantine (which trains CRB detector dogs and CRB handlers), HP Pavilion DV6-3023TX Battery
Guam Department of Agriculture (which employs CRB detector dog handlers), University of Guam College of Agriculture (which provides CRB Detector Dog program funding) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Station (the federal agency providing strategic direction and regulatory guidance) HP Pavilion DV6-3024TX Battery
to form the nation's first Bio-Security Task Force which features the nation's first CRB trained detector dogs. This program will provide enhanced capability and capacity for the invasive species interdiction and eradication program in order to mitigate these species on Guam and prevent it from spreading to other jurisdictions in the United States. HP Pavilion DV6-3025DX Battery
This Task Force increases the island's capacity to handle the increased volume of invasive species associated with the unprecedented military buildup on Guam.
Other invasive animal species
From the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries, the Spanish introduced pigs, dogs, chickens, the Philippine deer (Cervus mariannus), black francolins, and water buffalo. HP Pavilion DV6-3027TX Battery
Water buffalo, known as carabao locally, have cultural significance. Herds of these animals obstruct military base operations and harm native ecosystems. After birth control and adoption efforts were ineffective, the U.S. military began culling the herds in 2002 leading to organized protests from island residents.[36] HP Pavilion DV6-3029SZ Battery
Other introduced species include cane toads imported in 1937, the giant African snail (an agricultural pest introduced during WWII by Japanese occupation troops) and more recently frog species which could threaten crops in addition to providing additional food for the brown tree snake population. HP Pavilion DV6-3030TX Battery
Reports of loud chirping frogs native to Puerto Rico and known as coquí, that may have arrived from Hawaii, have led to fears that the noise could threaten Guam's tourism.[37]
Introduced feral pigs and deer, over-hunting, and habitat loss from human development are also major factors in the decline and loss of Guam's native plants and animals. HP Pavilion DV6-3031TX Battery
Threats to indigenous plants
Invading animal species are not the only threat to Guam's native flora. Tinangaja, a virus affecting coconut palms, was first observed on the island in 1917 when copra production was still a major part of Guam's economy. HP Pavilion DV6-3032TX Battery
Though coconut plantations no longer exist on the island, the dead and infected trees that have resulted from the epidemic are seen throughout the forests of Guam.[38]
During the past century, the dense forests of northern Guam have been largely replaced by thick tangan tangan brush (Leucaena-native to the Americas). HP Pavilion DV6-3033TX Battery
Much of Guam's foliage was lost during World War II. In 1947, the U.S. military is thought to have planted tangan tangan by seeding the island from the air to preventerosion. Tangan tangan was present on the island before 1905 (Stone,Useful Plants of Guam, 1905).
In southern Guam, non-native grass species dominate much of the landscape. HP Pavilion DV6-3034SL Battery
Although the colorful and impressive Flame Tree is found throughout the Marianas, the tree on Guam has been largely decimated.
Wildfires
Wildfires plague the forested ("boonie" or "jungle") areas of Guam every dry season despite the island's humid climate. HP Pavilion DV6-3034TX Battery
Most fires are man-caused with 80 percent resulting from arson.[39] Poachers often start fires to attract deer to the new growth. Invasive grass species that rely on fire as part of their natural life cycle grow in many regularly burned areas. Grasslands and "barrens" have replaced previously forested areas leading to greater soil erosion. HP Pavilion DV6-3035TX Battery
During the rainy season sediment is carried by the heavy rains into the Fena Lake Reservoir and Ugum River, leading to water quality problems for southern Guam. Eroded silt also destroys the marine life in reefs around the island. Soil stabilization efforts by volunteers and forestry workers (planting trees) have had little success in preserving natural habitats.[40] HP Pavilion DV6-3037TX Battery
Aquatic preserves
Efforts have been made to protect Guam's coral reef habitats from pollution, eroded silt, and overfishing--problems that have led to decreased fish populations. (Since Guam is a significant vacation spot for scuba divers, this is important.) HP Pavilion DV6-3040SL Battery
In recent years the Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources has established several new marine preserves where fish populations are monitored by biologists.[41] Prior to adopting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, portions of Tumon Bay were dredged by the hotel chains in order to provide a better experience for hotel guests.[42][43] Tumon Bay has since been made into a preserve. HP Pavilion DV6-3040US Battery
A federal Guam National Wildlife Refuge in northern Guam protects the decimated sea turtle population in addition to a small colony of Mariana fruit bats.[44] Harvest of sea turtle eggs was a common occurrence on Guam prior to World War II. The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was harvested legally on Guam prior to August 1978, HP Pavilion DV6-3041SL Battery
when it was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) has been on the endangered list since 1970. In an effort to ensure protection of sea turtles on Guam, routine sightings are counted during aerial surveys and nest sites are recorded and monitored for hatchlings. HP Pavilion DV6-3041TX Battery
Traditional harvests of sea turtles were primarily for local consumption at fiestas, weddings, funerals, and christenings. In recent times, poaching of sea turtles has been known to occur on Guam due to the traditional demand for its meat. Capture of the responsible parties has been difficult, although arrests have been made for unauthorized take. HP Pavilion DV6-3042TX Battery
Effective conservation and enforcement will be critical to the recovery efforts of this project.
DAWR will continue to give sea turtle presentations for community awareness, especially through the elementary-secondary school system and University of Guam. HP Pavilion DV6-3043TX Battery
In addition, the recommendation to produce and distribute sea turtle posters and pamphlets would help to enhance conservation and recovery awareness within the local community.
Guam's Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) Sea Turtle Recovery Program (STRP) is funded in part by the NMFS Honolulu, HP Pavilion DV6-3051XX Battery
PIAO to determine the extent of Guam's resident/nesting sea turtle populations and nesting habitats by conducting beach surveys and satellite tracking. ComNavMarianas has funded part of the satellite telemetry portion of the project through the purchase of satellite tags and satellite time. The objectives of the project are: HP Pavilion DV6-3052TX Battery
- To collect baseline population size-structure (age and size) and genetic information for sea turtles in and about Guam.
To survey Guam's beaches for sea turtle nesting activity for both green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) HP Pavilion DV6T Battery
- throughout the nesting period in order to determine the size of the nesting population of sea turtles on Guam and to employ a variety of tagging techniques to determine movement, residency and further define population dynamics.
To establish a Guam-based sea turtle-working group consisting of natural resource stakeholders and involve them in the refinement of the implementation plan. HP Pavilion DV6T-1000 Battery
The acquisition of satellite tagging materials and training was completed in March and April 2000. On June 28, 2000, an approximately 250–300 pound Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) was Argos satellite-tagged and tracked after making a false crawl (i.e., one in which no nest was made) on Explosive Ordnance Disposal Beach, HP Pavilion DV6T-1100 Battery
Andersen Air Force Base. A poaching arrest was also made on the following morning concerning a 22 lb. C. mydas that was illegally speared in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve Area.
Colleges and universities
The University of Guam (UOG) and Guam Community College, HP Pavilion DV6Z Battery
both fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, offer courses in higher education.[45] UOG is a member of the exclusive group of only 76 U.S. land-grant institutions in the entire United States. HP Pavilion DV6Z-1000 Battery
Pacific Islands University is a small Christian liberal arts institution nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. They offer courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Primary and secondary schools
The Guam Public School System[46] serves the entire island of Guam. HP Pavilion DV6-1266EL Battery
In 2000, 32,000 students attended Guam's public schools. Guam Public Schools have struggled with problems such as high dropout rates and poor test scores.[47][48] Guam's educational system has always faced unique challenges as a small community located 6,000 miles (9,700 km) from the U.S. HP Pavilion DV6-1268NR Battery
mainland with a very diverse student body including many students who come from backgrounds without traditional American education.[49] An economic downturn in Guam since the mid-1990s has compounded the problems in schools.[50] HP Pavilion DV6-1268TX Battery
Prior to September 1997, the U.S. Department of Defense partnered with Guam Board of Education.[51] In September 1997 the DoDEA opened its own schools for children of military personnel.[52] DoDEA schools, which also serve children of some federal civilian employees, had an attendance of 2,500 in 2000. HP Pavilion DV6-1270EC Battery
DoDEA Guam operates three elementary/middle schools and one high school.
The economy of Guam is greatly dependent on the U.S. military bases there. The U.S. connection also contributes to Guam's status as a Japanese tourist destination. HP Pavilion DV6-1270EG Battery
Some assume the Guamanian population is sympathetic toward the United States, based on common tribulations during World War II, and on relations with the U.S. military since.
However, maintenance of the status quo vis-à-vis the current political relationship between the territory and the United States is not without controversy. HP Pavilion DV6-1270EL Battery
There is a significant movement in favor of the Territory becoming a commonwealth, which would give it a political status similar to Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. Competing movements exist, which advocate political independence from the United States, statehood, or a combination with the Northern Mariana Islands as a single territory HP Pavilion DV6-1270EQ Battery
(not necessarily commonwealth). These proposals, however, are not seen as favorable by the U.S. federal government, which argues Guam does not have the financial stability or self sufficiency to warrant such status. They cite Guam’s increasing reliance on Federal spending as evidence, HP Pavilion DV6-1270ET Battery
and question how commonwealth status or statehood would benefit the United States as a whole.
A portion of the people on Guam favor a modified version of the current Territorial status, involving greater autonomy from the federal government (similar to the autonomy of individual States). HP Pavilion DV6-1270EV Battery
Perceived indifference by the U.S. Congress regarding a change-of-status petition submitted by Guam has led many to feel that the territory is being deprived of the benefits of a more equitable union with the United States. HP Pavilion DV6-1270LA Battery
The Second Battle of Guam (July 21 — August 10, 1944) was the American capture of the Japanese held island ofGuam, a United States territory (in the Mariana Islands) during the Pacific campaign of World War II.
Guam is the largest of the Marianas, 30 miles (48 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide. HP Pavilion DV6-1270SS Battery
It had been a United States possession since its capture from Spain in 1898 until it was captured by the Japanese on December 10, 1941, following the Attack on Pearl Harbor. It was not as heavily fortified as the other Mariana Islands such as Saipanthat had been Japanese possessions since the end of World War I, but by 1944 it had a large Japanese garrison. HP Pavilion DV6-1270ST Battery
The Allied plan for the invasion of the Marianas called for heavy preliminary bombardment, first by carrier aircraft and planes based in the Marshall Islands to the east, then once air superiority was gained, close bombardment by battleships. HP Pavilion DV6-1275EG Battery
Guam was chosen as a target because its large size made it suitable as a base for supporting the next stage of operations towards the Philippines, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands; the deep-water harbor at Apra was suitable for the largest ships; and the two airfields would be suitable for B-29 Superfortressbombers. HP Pavilion DV6-1275LA Battery
The invasion of Saipan was scheduled for June 15, 1944, with landings on Guam tentatively set for June 18. The original timetable was optimistic, however. A large Japanese carrier attack and stubborn resistance by the unexpectedly large garrison on Saipan led to the invasion of Guam being postponed for a month. HP Pavilion DV6-1277EL Battery
Guam, ringed by reefs, cliffs, and heavy surf, presents a formidable challenge for an attacker. But despite the obstacles, on July 21, the Americans landed on both sides of the Orote peninsula on the western side of Guam, planning to cut off the airfield. HP Pavilion DV6-1277LA Battery
The 3rd Marine Division landed near Agana to the north of Orote at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigadelanded near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 LVTs, and inflicted heavy casualties on the Americans, especially on the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, but by 09:00 men and tanks were ashore at both beaches. HP Pavilion DV6-1280EL Battery
The 77th Infantry Division had a more difficult landing. Lacking amphibious vehicles, they had to wade ashore from the edge of the reef where they were dropped by their landing craft. The men stationed in the two beachheads were pinned down by vicious Japanese fire, making initial progress inland quite slow. HP Pavilion DV6-1280EP Battery
By nightfall the Americans had established beachheads about 2,000 meters deep.[1] Japanese counter-attacks were made throughout the first few days of the battle, mostly at night, using infiltration tactics. Several times they penetrated the American defenses and were driven back with heavy loss of men and equipment. HP Pavilion DV6-1280ES Battery
Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina was killed on July 28, and Lieutenant General Hideyoshi Obata took over the command of the defenders.
Supply was very difficult[2] for the Americans in the first days of the battle. Landing ships could not come closer than the reef, several hundred yards from the beach, HP Pavilion DV6-1280ET Battery
and amphibious vehicles were scarce. However, the two beachheads were joined up on July 25, and the Orote airfield and Apra harbor were captured by July 30.
The counterattacks against the American beachheads, as well as the fierce fighting, had exhausted the Japanese. HP Pavilion DV6-1280EV Battery
At the start of August they were running out of food and ammunition and had only a handful of tanks left. Obata withdrew his troops from the south of Guam, planning to make a stand in the mountainous central and northern part of the island. But with resupply and reinforcement impossible because of American control of the sea and air around Guam, he could hope to do no more than delay the inevitable defeat for a few days. HP Pavilion DV6-1280SN Battery
Rain and thick jungle made conditions difficult for the Americans, but after an engagement at Mount Barrigadafrom August 2 to August 4, the Japanese line collapsed; the rest of the battle was a pursuit to the north. As in other battles of the Pacific War, the Japanese refused to surrender, and almost all were killed. HP Pavilion DV6-1280US Battery
On August 10, after 3 long weeks of bloody and ferocious fighting, organized Japanese resistance ended, and Guam was declared secure. The next day, Obata committed ritual suicide.
A few Japanese soldiers held out in the jungle. HP Pavilion DV6-1282ET Battery
On December 8, 1945, three U.S. Marineswere ambushed and killed. On January 24, 1972, Sergeant Shoichi Yokoi was discovered by hunters. He had lived alone in a cave for 27 years.
After the battle, Guam was turned into a base for Allied operations. Five large airfields were built by the Seabees, HP Pavilion DV6-1285ES Battery
and B-29 bombers flew from the island to attack targets in the Western Pacific and on mainland Japan.
Four U.S. Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the Battle of Guam: PFC Luther Skaggs Jr., PFC Frank Witek (posthumously), PFC Leonard F. HP Pavilion DV6-1288LA Battery
Mason (posthumously) and Captain (later General) Louis H. Wilson, Jr..
Liberation Day continues to be celebrated on Guam every July 21.
The First Battle of Guam, was an engagement during the Pacific War in World War II, HP Pavilion DV6-1290EC Battery
and took place on 8 December 1941 on Guam in the Mariana Islands between the Empire of Japan and the United States. The Americangarrison was defeated by Japanese forces which resulted in an occupation until the Second Battle of Guam in 1944.
Guam is the southernmost part of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. HP Pavilion DV6-1290EN Battery
It is the largest of the islands, with an area of 225 square miles. Guam's interior is rugged, with heavy tropical forest in the north of the island and wooded hills in the south. Much of the island's coastline is edged with coral reefs and cliffs, though beaches suitable for landing troops exist in the center of the west coast.[1] HP Pavilion DV6-1290ES Battery
Guam has a tropical climate, though December forms part of the dry season.[2]
The United States captured Guam from the Kingdom of Spain on 21 June 1898 during the Spanish–American War.[2] The next year Spain sold the other islands in the Marianas chain to Germany.[3] HP Pavilion DV6-1290EV Battery
The United States Navy established a facility near the village of Piti on Guam in 1899, and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) opened a barracks atSumay in 1901. A naval coaling station was established on the island in 1905, and a battery of six 6-inch (15 cm) guns was emplaced to strengthen Guam's defenses in 1909. HP Pavilion DV6-1291ES Battery
A U.S. Navy captain served as both the Governor and commander of the naval base from 1899 onwards, though there were some elements of a civilian government on the island.[2]
During World War I, Japanese forces captured the German islands in the Marianas during October 1914 and established a garrison which was designated the South Seas Defense Force. HP Pavilion DV6-1295EL Battery
Japan gained a mandate over the islands from the League of Nations in December 1920, and they were administered by the South Seas Bureau which formed part of the Ministry of Overseas Affairs. Japanese colonists were permitted to settle in the Marianas, and by the late 1930s there were more colonists than natives in the Japanese islands.[3] HP Pavilion DV6-1299EA Battery
In 1935 the Japanese Government banned westerners from entering its mandated islands in the Pacific, and in 1939 established the 4th Fleet to defend the region.[4]
While the United States considered increasing Guam's defenses during and after World War I, no action was taken other than to deploy a USMC seaplane unit to the island in 1921. HP Pavilion DV6-1299EF Battery
The outcomes of the 1922 Washington Naval Conference included an agreement by both the United States and Japanese governments that they would not fortify the islands they administered in the western Pacific, including the Marianas. As a result, no further improvements were made to Guam's defenses during the 1920s and 1930s, HP Pavilion DV6-1299EO Battery
and the island's coastal artillery battery was removed by 1930. The USMC seaplane unit also departed the next year.[2] The Navy sought permission to build fortifications on the island in 1938, but this proposal was rejected.[2] In 1941 Guam had a population of 23,394, most of whom lived in or within 10 miles (16 km) of the island's capital of Agana. HP Pavilion DV6-1299ER Battery
The island had about 85 miles (137 km) of improved roads and Apra Harbor was considered the best in the Marianas, but did not have an airfield.
Japanese plans for the Pacific War included capturing Guam within the war's first days. From March 1941 Japanese aircraft flew photo reconnaissance sorties over the island.[6] HP Pavilion DV6-1299ES Battery
Plans for the invasion of the island were completed in September that year, and the South Seas Detachment was selected as the main unit responsible for this. The South Seas Detachment comprised the 144th Infantry Regiment and other units detached from the 55th Division and had a strength of 4,886 men. HP Pavilion DV6-1299EZ Battery
The South Seas Detachment was concentrated in Korea during November 1941 and, following a brief stay in Japan, sailed for Chichi-jima in the Bonin Islands late that month. The 370-man strong 5th Company of the 2nd Maizuru Special Naval Landing Force, which was based at Saipan in the Marianas, was also assigned to join the assault on Guam.[7] HP Pavilion DV6-1299LX Battery
These units would be transported to Guam by nine transports escorted by the minelayer Tsugaru and four destroyers. The 6th Cruiser Division, which comprised four heavy cruisers, was also available to provide support if needed. HP Pavilion DV6-1254TX Battery
The landing force and naval units were supported by the 18th Naval Air Corps, which was based at Saipan and equipped with obsolete floatplanes.[8]
The United States Government did not believe that it would be possible or practical to defend Guam if it was attacked. HP Pavilion DV6-1255EE Battery
The island was not seen as being useful in efforts to reinforce the Philippines, though it served as a refueling point for Pan Am flying boats and was one of the relay points for the Pacific Cable Company's telegraph cable which linked the Philippines to the US west coast.[5][9] In 1941 the island was given a "Category F" defense rating; HP Pavilion DV6-1255EG Battery
this ruled out the construction of new defenses and meant that when war broke out Guam's defenders would destroy all facilities of military value and withdraw.[2]
Despite the low priority accorded to Guam, some minor steps were taken to improve its defenses before war broke out. HP Pavilion DV6-1255TX Battery
A contract for minor improvements to the military facilities on Guam was issued in April 1941, and work began the next month.[2][6] The Guam Insular Force Guard, which was a locally-manned milita force responsible for protecting the naval base, was also slightly expanded in May. HP Pavilion DV6-1256TX Battery
On 17 October the dependents of the American military personnel on the island were evacuated to the United States by the transport USS Henderson, followed by more than 1000 construction workers.[6] On 23 October 1941 the US Navy's General Board provided Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox with a report on Guam's HP Pavilion DV6-1259DX Battery
defenses which recommended against reinforcing the island due to the difficulties of defending it and the need to allocate resources to other priorities. The report argued in favor of continuing to improve Guam's harbour and seaplane facilities, however.[10]
At the outbreak of war on 8 December 1941 (local time), HP Pavilion DV6-1259TX Battery
Guam was defended by small US Navy and USMC units as well as the Insular Force Guard. Captain George McMillin, who was also the island's governor and the overall commander of the garrison, was in charge of Naval Forces, Guam which comprised 271 personnel and four nurses. HP Pavilion DV6-1260EC Battery
This force was a subordinate unit of the Asiatic Fleet and most of its personnel were unarmed. Guam's guard ship, theUSS Gold Star had sailed to the Philippines to pick up supplies and enable the crew to buy Christmas presents and was directed to remain there.[6] HP Pavilion DV6-1260EJ Battery
The minesweeper USS Penguin was present at the island, however, along with the immobile oil depot ship Robert L. Barnes.[7] Marine Barracks, Sumay had a strength of 145 men who were organised into a company armed with rifles and a small number of machine guns.[6] The Insular Force Guard comprised 246 men, most of whom had received little training. HP Pavilion DV6-1260EP Battery
The marines and Insular Force Guard were equipped with 170 M1903 Springfield rifles, 13 Lewis Guns and 15 Browning Automatic Rifles. The defenders did not have any mortars or artillery other than the guns on board Penguin.[10] In addition to these military units, Guam's police force (theGuam Insular Patrol) had a strength of 80 men who were armed only with pistols. HP Pavilion DV6-1260ET Battery
At 04:45 on 8 December, the Governor of the island, George McMillin was informed about the attack on Pearl Harbor. At 08:27, Japanese aircraft from Saipan attacked the Marine Barracks, the Piti Navy Yard, Libugon radio station, Standard Oil Company, and the Pan American Hotel. HP Pavilion DV6-1260EV Battery
During the air attack, the minesweeper USS Penguin, the largest navy vessel at the island, was sunk.[11] One officer was killed and several men wounded. The air raids all over Guam continued into the morning and afternoon before subsiding at 17:00.
The next day at 08:30, Japanese air attacks resumed, with no more than nine aircraft attacking at a time. HP Pavilion DV6-1260SE Battery
The same targets as the previous day were attacked, and also the Government House in Agana and several villages. That evening, a Japanese invasion fleet of four heavy cruisers, four destroyers, two gunboats, and six submarine chasers, two minesweepers, and two tenders left Saipan for Guam. HP Pavilion DV6-1260SG Battery
The Japanese landed about 400 troops of the 5th Defence Force from Saipan on Guam on 10 December 1941 at Dungcas Beach, north of Agana.[11] They attacked and quickly defeated the Insular Force Guard in Agana. They then advanced on Piti, moving toward Sumay and the Marine Barracks. HP Pavilion DV6-1260SH Battery
The principal engagement took place on Agana's Plaza de Espana at 04:45 when a few Marines and Insular Force Guardsmen fought with the Japanese naval soldiers. After token resistance, the Marines surrendered at 05:45. Governor McMillin officially surrendered at 06:00.[11] HP Pavilion DV6-1260SN Battery
A few skirmishes took place all over the island before news of the surrender spread and the rest of the island forces laid down their arms. The American patrol boat YP-16 was scuttled by means of fire during the event and YP-17 was captured by Japanese naval forces. An American freighter was damaged by the Japanese. HP Pavilion DV6-1260TX Battery
In the meantime the Japanese South Seas Detached Force (about 5,500 men) under the command of Major-General Tomitaro Horii made separate landings at Tumon Bay in the north, on the southwest coast near Merizo, and on the eastern shore of the island at Talafofo Bay.[11] HP Pavilion DV6-1261TX Battery
U.S. Marine losses were 5 killed and 13 wounded. The U.S. Navy lost 8 killed, The Guam Insular Force Guards lost 4 killed and 22 wounded. One Japanese naval soldier was killed[11] and 6 wounded. HP Pavilion DV6-1263CL Battery,HP Pavilion DV6-1264CA Battery,HP Pavilion DV6-1264TX Battery
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