Calvo, Senators Visit Marine Corps Base Quantico
Guam Delegation Tours Training Sites
Immediate Release: March 3, 2011
(Quantico, VA) — Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and a delegation including Senators Frank Blas Jr., Judith Guthertz DPA, and Rory Respicio saw a firing range and other facilities first-hand at a tour of Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. Senior Marine Corps officials led the visit.
An orientation included an aerial tour from a Marine Corps HMX-1 helicopter (the squadron responsible for providing Presidential helicopter support). Briefings were also conducted at the base range control facility and at the firing ranges where the delegation was provided the opportunity to sample some of the weapons training that will take place on Guam.
“This tour was important for the senators and me; we have learned so much on how Marines operate their bases,” Governor Calvo said. “Now, all of us have an appreciation and understanding we didn’t have before, especially when it comes to the safety measures in place at a firing range. I would like to thank the Marine Corps for their willingness to work with Team Guam, and for their hospitality. It is good they are doing their part to allay as many concerns as they can.”
According to the Marine Corps, the purpose of the tour was to show Governor Calvo, the senators, and the delegation some aspects of Marine Corps range design, management, and operations. The tour also showcased environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, including family burial plots, which lie within the confines of the range complex.
Mr. Bryan Wood, Director of the Headquarters Marine Corps’ Pacific Division who sponsored the tour for the Guam delegation, stated, “The Marine Corps appreciates the opportunity to showcase the safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship we build into every one of our range facilities. Providing this orientation to Governor Calvo and the senators demonstrates the Marine Corps’ commitment toward working with the people of Guam to ensure a mutually beneficial and sustainable Marine Corps presence on the island.”
Colonel Robert Loynd, Officer in Charge of Marine Forces Pacific (Fwd) Guam & CNMI added, “The tremendous support of Governor Calvo’s visit provided by the USMC Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX-1, as well as Quantico’s Weapons Training Battalion highlighted for the Governor and the Guam Legislative members the pride, professionalism, training and discipline of our US Marine Corps NCOs and Staff NCOs. It was a distinct honor to participate in today’s tour.”
Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo discusses the planned relocation of Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam with Senators Rory Respicio and Frank Blas Jr. on March 2. The governor and senators visited the Pentagon and toured Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., to gather an understanding of the types of ranges planned for a new Marine Corps base on Guam.
Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo of Guam discusses range distance with Maj. Gen. Raymond Fox, the commanding general of the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command, during his visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on March 2. Governor Calvo visited the base to tour the multiple ranges that can be utilized on Guam once Marines relocate there from Okinawa, Japan.
Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo of Guam gets a birds-eye-view, aboard a helicopter, of the range layout of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., during a visit on March 2. Governor Calvo stressed the layout of the ranges planned for a new Marine facility on Guam is important to maintain many culturally important sites in the area. Similar to Guam, Quantico’s ranges are positioned very closely to historic sites as well.
Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo of Guam reviews the range layout, aboard a helicopter, of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., during his visit on March 2. Governor Calvo stressed the layout of the ranges planned for a new Marine facility on Guam is important to maintain many culturally important sites in the area. Similar to Guam, Quantico’s ranges are positioned very closely to historic sites as well.
