Commonality of the Port:
Guam is a very common 7th fleet port and serves as a hub for the 7th fleet AOR as well as a major submarine base. The 2 MSC submarine tenders, the USS Frank Cable and the USS Emory S. Land, are both homeported in Guam.
Typical Operations:
Most classes of MSC ships will pull into Guam for routine port visits. As major hub in the region, it is a common loading and fueling port. Guam also hosts Voyage Repair (VR) periods and supports shipyard maintenance periods. Please note, island time is a thing. Many of the port workers and delivery drivers are in no rush to deliver their cargoes. This nonchalant attitude may eat into your liberty time if it causes operations to run late.
WiFi Spots
On base, the NEX has strong WiFi and they sell local SIM cards. The SIM cards sold at the NEX are cheap and reliable. The associates at the desk are helpful and will install the SIM in your phone. Be advised, for any SIM card to work, your phone must be unlocked from your carrier. Also, cell phone service on base is not great, especially at certain berths.
Base Amenities
Guam’s base offers the standard amenities and is comparable to any stateside Navy base. The Guam NEX is top-notch and features a dedicated outdoor NEX full of beach equipment, snorkel/scuba diving equipment, sports equipment and more. The Guam NEX and commissary is probably the best place to restock on snacks and personal items in the AOR.
The Guam Pass and ID office is a great place to renew your CAC as they will print your privileges directly onto your CAC. This is not offered at stateside bases.
The biggest perk to the Guam base is Gab-Gab beach. Gab-Gab is an on base beach with clear water, a dedicated swimming area, picnic tables and grills. Gab Gab is walking distance from Kilo Pier and is a convenient way to enjoy a night.
Image From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Base_Guam
Typical Liberty Drop Off Point
When in Guam, ships will typically use 2 liberty vans. One van typically follows and on-base route to shuttle people between the ship, the NEX and Gab-Gab beach. The other van typically runs into town with stops at a mall and the downtown Tumon Bay area. The times of the shuttle and the drop off locations are always subject to change per the ship’s discretion. The liberty shuttle usually takes about 30 minutes to go from the ship to Tumon.
Taxis/Rides
There are no Ubers on Guam, only taxis and they are pricey. Most taxis cannot get onto base, and it is a loooonnnnnggggg walk from the front gate to Kilo pier (where AKEs usually tie up). Many mariners have learned this lesson the hard way. You will need to find alternate means of transportation if you do use the ship’s liberty shuttle. There is a car rental shop called Jerrys Car Rental. Jerry’s is owned by a former MSC CIVMAR, and they rent cars at fair rates. They also pick up vehicles close to base. On the morning of departure, some ships organize a van run to allow people who rented cars to drop them off in the Navy Federal Credit Union parking lot just outside the gate and then drive everyone back to the ship. Please note, if you rent a car, drunk driving is STRICTLY enforced. There is no blood alcohol standard on base. If you have any alcohol in your system while driving, you will be subjected to sobriety testing. Guam does NOT mess around with drunk driving.
Jerry’s Car Rental: +1 671-888-5844
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