Who here has been stationed in Guam? (Navy, Marines, housing)

[10,000Lakes]

What did you think?

[SVTLightning]

I was not stationed there but I went for a week to do an install.

I loved it there. the people were nice and the island was beautiful. When i was stationed in Puerto Rico I felt it was much dirtier and the people did not care about their island like the people in Guam do.

I am sure living there is different, but I had a good experience there. They have american businesses, fast food etc, and use the same dollar we do. no problems at all with anything I needed or tried to do there.

[Takes1 2 Know1]

I was stationed on Guam from May of 2000 to April of 2002 and was stationed at NCTS Guam.

I really enjoyed my time there because I got to complete a majority of my college course work there. I also liked the fact that it's laid back and you can go virtually anywhere in flip flops and hang out at the beach everyday if I wanted to.

The people are friendly and the food is fantastic. Each village throughout the island hosts a bbq that everyone is invited to. I guess that's what makes Guam so special, it's very laid back and easy going.

[sailorgirl2007]

I too was stationed there for four years (in the 90's however). The last time I was there was in 2002. I absolutely loved it there. The locals are great and if you love the beach, you will definitely feel like you're on a 24/7 vacation. It is very much Americanized, although it does not have all the conveniences of being in the states. It is a little expensive, but if you're active duty, you should be compensated. I've found that people either love it or hate it. Like I said, I loved it and would definitely go back.

[10,000Lakes]

Thanks guys, it's nice to hear your thoughts on Guam. We have one more tour before my husband retires from the Navy and have been considering Hawaii, Guam, & Japan. It's our last tour so we wanted to go somewhere that we would never be able to move when he retires.

[Crew Chief]

I've never been on Guam but I AM glad that the USAF's 36th Wing from the former Bitburg Air Base, Germany lives on as the wing assigned to Anderson AFB!

[10,000Lakes]

^^^^

That's neat Crew Chief.
We have been reading about how in the next 5 years or so they are going to be moving a lot of Marines/Navy from Oki to Guam so I guess it's fair to assume it will get really busy and crowded like Hawaii, you think?

[OC Investor2]

Never was there personally, But my BIL was there as a navy O-4 and loved it. He says it was his favorite posting while in the navy.

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by 10,000Lakes

What did you think?

Weather is really humid most of the time but if you're on the beach vs. golf course, that's fine. Island has around 150k people yet there most scheduled surguries and medical emergencies have to go to Hawaii. COLA is pretty good there (~$1k) but things are more expensive off instalation. Housing on both bases are really nice and it only take 45 min. to drive from one end to the other. There are rural spots so it doesn't feel crowded. There are rough areas (housing) that exists in every city. The bases are the cleanest and most upgraded that I've ever seen. The on-base golf courses are extremely economical and the views on the northern portion of the island are really nice. The island has mixes of flat beaches with 200 foot cliffs towering over the water. No place on the island has a 55mph zone (45 is max) and it's impossible to put any amount of miles on vehicles so it is amazing that anyone buys a sports car there. Stoplights are numbered so visitors can get around fairly easy right from the beginning. Most tourists are from Japan. Tons of Karokee bars have they have steep ($10) covers.

[cobolt]

Guam was my first and favorite duty station. I only have good memories of the place.