US Coast Guard establishes Base Guam

In a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Carola List, commander of Operational Logistics Command, the U.S. Coast Guard officially established U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam on Nov. 8, 2023.

Led by Cmdr. Dana Hiatt, the base will play a crucial role in enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard's mission support logistics in the Oceania region, according to officials. Base Guam is located within the U.S. Naval Base Guam.

This initiative, outlined in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, expands the U.S. Coast Guard's mission support in the Indo-Pacific region. It follows agreements expanding law enforcement programs with regional neighbors. This summer, the U.S. Coast Guard and Palau signed an agreement allowing Coast Guard personnel the right to board vessels in Palau’s waters, according to Journal files. A similar agreement was signed with the Federated States of Micronesia. A similar shiprider agreement was also signed with Papua New Guinea in May.

Operating under the Operational Logistics Command, Base Guam will serve as the lead logistics and support command, focusing on contingency logistics planning, integration of logistics services, and support for tactical logistics needs for deployed operational assets.

The new base aligns with the Service's commitment to increasing mission support in the area, acknowledging Guam's vital role in national security.

Base Guam will assume responsibilities from the existing U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, incorporating 17 additional personnel billets and realigning existing elements to enhance logistical efficiencies.

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam comprises more than 300 dedicated members based in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Capt. Nicholas Simmons currently leads Forces Micronesia and serves as the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Guam and the CNMI. mbj