The following is a transcript from the Naval Base Guam Town Hall held on May 7. Questions and answers (Q&A) provided have been updated for clarity, brevity, and following further review of the respective Installation Program Director (IPD)/Subject Matter Expert (SME). This page was updated on May 15, 2025. 

Sumay Marina
Q. Can some sort or reprieve or delay be offered for boat owners being evicted at Sumay Marina? Or can other options be explored for boat owners to remain at the Sumay Marina during the construction period?
A. An underwater construction team survey, a design firm hired by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to evaluate the marina, and the NBG safety director all identified potential life/health/safety issues based on the material condition of the piers.
Regarding the timeline of the repairs – the brief NBG received from the responsible contractor quoted an October 1 start date. This includes significant repairs to the marina to include the pilings and replacing the wave attenuator.
Understand this potentially effects personal property and there’s also discussion in terms of who “owns the risk” at the marina. In the NBG view, the Installation Commanding Officer is ultimately responsible and assumes the risk for safe operations at the marina. So while there is a personal property aspect, the safety of the Marina and the people who use it belongs to the Installation Commanding Officer (ICO) who will make the ultimate decisions on its use.
The email from the marina manager was designed to give those with boats moored at the marina a heads up that this was coming so that preparations can begin to be made. It was also timed to allow feedback at the town hall. Once a letter is signed by the ICO, it starts a 30-day clock to vacate the marina. Per the lease agreements in place for those who occupy the marina, the agreement can be terminated with 10-days notice.
Discussions and plans about the marina will continue and a date and time are already set for these discussions to occur.

Quality of Life
Q. What is being done about the Quality of Life at NBG? I have been here for several tours now and I feel like there has been a slow and steady decline over the last few years. Here are some of the bullet points I’ve compiled:

• Severely limited or outright restricted access to popular hikes and beaches,

• Reduced services at the housing self-help center

• Closure of some half of the NEX food vendors, and one of only two sit down restaurants on base; Closure of Top o’ the Mar. No improvements to the one remaining restaurant on base.

• Plans for MWR enlisted Sailing Program

• Reduced availability, quality, and variety of healthy foods at the commissary.

• And all of this against the back drop of now mandatory assignment of base housing for those with families.

I'm just wondering what is to be done, in broad strokes, to improve quality of life for everybody, not just folks that use the CDC or the Teen Center or childcare or playgrounds?
A. Supporting qualify of life is a constant focus for NBG and continues to be a focus driven from higher headquarters. While some positives have occurred over the past couple years, there have also been challenges and adjustments to new policies that NBG continues to work through.  Sometimes this results in a “two steps forward, one step back” result, but NBG and the staff continue to stay committed to improvement.
To address some of the specific feedback:

• Spanish Steps was repaired after the typhoon with repairs completed in February 2024. The standard operating procedure (SOP) was re-written shortly thereafter with a focus on expanding access by lowering the age limit to include command sponsored events. Currently, the reason Spanish Steps remains closed is due to operations. Kilo Pier, located in the vicinity of Spanish Steps, is an ammunition handling pier. When operations are in progress, Spanish Steps closes. That is a CNO level policy, and not something the NBG ICO can control or waive. If anything, the closure is an indicator of the pace of operations that are occurring on the Orote Peninsula. NBG will communicate via social media when Spanish Steps is open and ensure that MWR is ready to support.

• Sbarros is going to be the next food box in the NEX food court. It will be a few months before it opens, likely early 2026. We are working to get Clipper Landing and the area above the Marina building open as another food option, but have not been able to identify a successful strategy at this time.

• Understand there are issues with the lack of availability for some items at Housing Self-Help. Some customers may want to borrow something but it is not available due to these items being in high demand. Housing is currently running an inventory to review these highly requested items, which includes lawn mower and pressure washing equipment. Once this data call is completed, Housing will request increased funding to purchase these items.

• Plans for an enlisted Sailing Program at the Marina are being looked into by MWR. There will be some follow on discussion with the Marina Manager and key stakeholders to see if/how this program can be established.

• The produce supplier did change in January and DeCA is trying to work through some issues with the new supplier to address getting more variety and better pricing. There seems to be an issue with a gap in pricing between on and off base, and they are trying to get after this as well. DeCA has quoted a 45 day timeline to address the issues with produce and see improvement.  If improvement is not observed, then the base will request an updated strategy from DeCA.  There are more hot meal options being offered at the commissary adding to the variety of food options on base.

At the end of the day, as an installation, quality of life and quality of service is something NBG seeks to deliver and improve every day.

Housing
Q. When it comes to allowing civilians to move in, I’m slightly confused because Guam is an island and it’s hard to fit all of the military, especially with all of the military coming in, and with military being mandated to live on base. One - how are there going to be available houses for civilians to move into on base? Two – If civilians are allowed to move on base does that mean all current military living on NBG will receive OHA. How is that going to work out?

A. Any new housing policy will have to be aligned with CNIC policy, which does take into account availability for military families. Housing is considered full by CNIC at 95% occupancy. NBG currently has 90% set as the limit at which families can reside off-base without requesting an exception to policy. If civilians are provided the opportunity to reside on base, they would fill the 5% between 90 and 95% with a goal of supporting key and essential personnel. This policy would be crafted to support that and be similar to policies you already find at installation with Public-Private Venture (PPV) housing.
Additionally, recent discussions have occurred regarding the renovation and reconversion of Apra Palms to support placing it back in the family housing inventory. This would include upgrades to amenities in the houses, playgrounds, and the entry control point – a whole neighborhood refresh. This will add to our military family housing inventory.

Pest Control at Housing
Q. I think I’ve been hearing rats in the walls of our home in Lockwood, I know that my neighbor across the street has had experience with them, and that housing has helped them out and been very responsive. While housing has been very helpful in the short-term, what is the long-term solution for pest control? We see them all throughout our neighborhood. This has really affected my family and me.  
A. First step is to inform the contractor (GPDB) Service Calls department and report the possibility of having potential rodent activity in the residence.  Following this first step, ensure the 4-step housing issue resolution process is followed so you receive the right visibility on the issue and maximum support.
 
In the short-term, the tenant will be temporarily relocated during the rodent activity assessment; relocation will be the Patriot Home or Temporary Lodging Allowance (NGIS/hotel). Afterwards, once the activity is confirmed, they will move to a new permanent residence using Intra-Station Move Funds.
In the long-term, GPDB is preventing rodent harborage by filling open pipes with foam and capping them.
As part of the pest control efforts, GPDB is filling pipes to prevent rodents and planning trap/rodenticide placement in external areas.

MWR Events
Q. Why are events being canceled? Specifically, why was the Health Fair canceled?  Also, why aren’t these events advertised more?
A. The Health Fair was postponed to a later date in order to add more vendors to participate in the event. It was not cancelled, just rescheduled to another date to be determined. Additionally, the intent is to hold it on a weekend so everyone has the opportunity to attend. MWR is not aware of any other recently cancelled events.
As far as MWR advertising, everything is posted on the MWR Guam Facebook page. Additionally, there are flyers that are on some snap frames at the gym. It’s a great hub for all MWR events and information.

Apra Mini Mart
Q. Can you provide us an update to the Apra Mini Mart? It’s closed but I haven’t actually seen construction taking place?
A. The Apra Mini Mart renovation is scheduled to be completed in November.  Following completion it will take the NEX approximately two months to outfit the store for operations. Anticipate reopening in February 2026.

Base Transportation Options
Q. I have been stationed in various places and I want to know why this is the only place I have been to that doesn’t have some sort of shuttle or some sort of rotating transportation that runs throughout the base?
A. There have been many discussions with JRM in terms of how to restore and fund a base transportation system, but no agreements have been made to date. It comes down to not only funding, but how to execute the funding between multiple services and customers.
Currently, there is no concrete plan in place. NBG will continue this discussion with JRM.

Main Gate/Back Gate Access and Traffic
Q. We’ve been here, five years and lately it seems [the traffic] has gotten worse at the gate. Is there any plan – I know we’ve talked about this at the previous town hall and Quality of Life meetings – that you need the people to man the back gate, but I would say the lunch time rush has been extremely terrible. Is there any possibility to open the back gate for that time period? Even just coming from Apra, I need to leave my home at least 30 minutes early to make it onto the base, anywhere around that lunchtime rush. So I didn’t know if people push for a need for it, opening up the back gate all day or opening it during that lunch time rush? Can we adjust the back gates from 0630 to 0830 too, for those dropping their kids off at school?
A. Traffic is primarily affected by the construction project taking place just off base, large visiting ships (such as carriers), or due to turn-arounds associated with people who attempt base access without the correct credentials. For gate manning, we allocate to fulfill the appropriate security measures and demand. Back gate hours were instituted in the morning and afternoon last year. There’s been no request to change those hours other to extend if possible.  NBG will assess shifting morning back gate hours to 0630-0830 to better support those parents dropping kids at school.

The following are questions and answers from the Naval Base Guam Town Hall held on May 7. These questions were compiled prior to the town hall and were answered by Installation Program Directors and Subject Matter Experts.

Dignitary Visits
Q. As a taxpayer, why are there large groups of dignitaries visiting NBG? Are the trips necessary and are the large groups really needed? On the surface, it appears some individuals may be looking for a free trip to Guam. That concerns me.
A. Many of the visitors we welcome to Naval Base Guam and that you may see on our social media are members of Congress, professional staff members to those who serve in Congress, or higher ranking military officials. They often serve on committees related to the Department of Defense and other military-related affairs. These travel delegations are intended to offer engagement opportunities to better understand conditions on the ground and local priorities to support fact-finding or oversight missions.
 
For NBG, we share and discuss items related to mission readiness, operations, and quality of life with a focus on where help is needed in order to improve.

Galley
Q. Captain, Is there any viability to plan the construction of a galley or other dining facility now that the military population is expected to grow in the coming years?
A. There are currently no plans in place to build a galley or dining facility.

McCool Annex
Q. Does NBG or JRM have any authority over the McCool annex (old dental clinic) move? If DoDEA is a tenant of NBG would you have final say on when the physical move takes place?
A. NBG would only step in to potentially effect or delay the move if there were clear life, health or safety issues related to the use of the McCool Annex. Outside of these issues, DoDEA maintains the authority to execute the move. Moving forward, the School Advisory Committee (previously the School Board) should be used as the avenue for any interested party to raise concerns or issues for discussion and remedy.  NBG is a member of the School Advisory Committee.
 
Q. What is NBG’s role in helping DODEA open up the 8th grade annex? Parents
are being told NBG has to pay for the weather covering...
A. DoDEA is responsible to program for funding requirements, and submit these requirements for base approval before work can be executed. Once design is accomplished and funded through DoDEA, work will be scheduled for execution.

Public Works
Q. Is there a plan to address the poor condition of the Dadi Beach road?
A. Repairs to Dadi Beach road were completed on 1 May 2025.
 

Q. Is there a plan to add additional parking in north tip so people don't
have to park on the street?
A. There is no current plan to add parking within the North Tipalao neighborhood. The Public Works Department will assess the area and determine if a parking project is required.
 
Q. Address the Mimosa Pudica (Sleeping Grass) infestation in the neighborhoods, please. It's taking over North Tipalao and the dog park least.
A. An inspection was conducted and confirmed issues are resolved.  Mimosa Pudica is not currently covered within the Grounds Maintenance contract. The Public Works Department and Housing Office will determine if this can be added to the contract to support quarterly assessment as the Mimosa Pudica will have to be removed manually. Currently awaiting a cost estimate.
 
Q. Is there a plan in place to improve the grounds like on Anderson?
A. The grounds on Naval Base Guam are routinely maintained through a gorunds maintenance contract which includes grass cutting and tree trimming. NBG residents and patrons must also do their part in maintaining the cleanliness of the base.

Q. Those of us in Apra View Housing would LOVE an update on our Mini Mart! There has been NO visible work going on for months now
A. The Apra Mini Mart renovation is scheduled to complete in November. Following completion it will take the NEX approximately two months to outfit the store for operations.  Anticipate reopening in February 2026.
 
Q. Can the bolts on the road at the bottom of the hill going to Gab Gab beach be removed? The speed bump is damaged and bolts are exposed posing a danger to cars.
A. Repairs were completed as of 13 May 2025.
 
Q. Many of the pedestrian crossings on base are either inadequate in terms of road reflectors / lights for safety or have completely worn away in many areas. This has led to confusion for motorists and pedestrians alike in areas where crossings exist, yet aren't appropriately maintained and visible. Along with this, many of the bike lanes (also used by runners and pedestrians) have become overgrown, pushing at-risk individuals closer to fast moving traffic than would otherwise be the case given appropriate road maintenance. Between these two issues; it's only a matter of time until this results in an avoidable road accident/ incident. Is there a plan to remedy the issue across base property to provide more adequate safety to pedestrians?
A. The Public Works Department (PWD) continues to identify and program traffic requirements every fiscal year. Road markings have been a frustration shared across the community.
 
Currently there are four projects being developed:
1. Main Harbor View and Ocean Ridge at North Tipalao Housing
2. Main Base BEQ Unaccompanied Quarters
3. Naval Hospital and Coral Ridge Housing
4. Apra Heights and Apra View Housing areas
 
Additionally, PWD will work with the traffic safety review team to identify other areas that need to be addressed prior to these projects being funded.

Joint Travel Regulations/Shipping of More than One POV
Q. On December 23, 2024, H.R. 5009 (“The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025”) was signed into law. This legislation includes an important amendment removing the restriction that previously limited government-funded shipment of a privately owned vehicle (POV) to just one per service member household for OCONUS moves. In other words, it now provides a legal pathway for the government to fund the shipment of a second vehicle.
 
I understand that multiple departments and phases are involved between the signing of a bill and the practical implementation of its provisions, particularly when it comes to funding. My question is: What steps are NBG and JRM leadership taking to advocate for the many families currently stationed in Guam or preparing to PCS here?
 
The Joint Travel Regulations were recently updated on April 1, 2025, yet they did not include any changes related to OCONUS vehicle shipments. At a minimum, families would benefit greatly from clear communication from the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense, or Secretary of the Navy regarding whether they intend to fund this additional POV shipment and, if so, when – or whether no changes should be expected.
 
Like many families assigned to Guam, we were required to sell a vehicle prior to our move, purchase another upon arrival, and now must sell it again before returning to the States – only to purchase yet another vehicle at our next duty station. This cycle places an unnecessary burden, both financially and emotionally, on military families during an already challenging time.
Thank you for your time, attention, and advocacy on behalf of the service members and families in Guam.
A. While the legislation has been approved, it's important to note that inclusion in the NDAA is only the first step. Implementation still requires:
 
- Review and action by the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance
Committee (PDTATAC) and Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO).
- Formal update of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) to reflect the new entitlement.
- Once the JTR is updated, only then does the entitlement become official and executable.
 
At this time, no formal implementation timeline has been released. Historically, changes of this nature have taken 6-12 months post-legislation to be fully enacted.
 
Q. Can you please discuss when will the approved FY25 NDAA that authorized up to 2 vehicles for OCONUS PCS be in place?
I know a feasibility study was due to the Senate Arms Committee by March 30, 2025; what is the expected timeline for implementation?
A. While the legislation has been approved, it's important to note that inclusion in the NDAA is only the first step. Implementation still requires:
 
- Review and action by the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance
Committee (PDTATAC) and Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO).
- Formal update of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) to reflect the new entitlement.
- Once the JTR is updated, only then does the entitlement become official and executable.
 
At this time, no formal implementation timeline has been released. Historically, changes of this nature have taken 6-12 months post-legislation to be fully enacted.
 
Stray Animals
Q. There are stray cats/kittens near the self-help building. They seem malnourished/sickly. Are there plans/ protocols in place to manage the sickly stray animals on base?
A. Thank you for the notification. We have plans and protocols to handle domestic and wild animals on base. We were unaware and had not received reports of stray cats in the vicinity of the self-help building. NBG Animal Control will assess the site and capture any stray animals that are found. All stray domestic animals are turned over to Guam Animals In Need (GAIN).

Rodent Activity
Q. I have a spouse with rats living within the walls of her house. Pest control has come out and housing is aware of the situation. Rats are a constant issue on base and many of my families talk about these pests in their yards and carports. What is being done to get rid of these pests? Traps? Poison? They seem to be moving from house to house and I was just wondering if there is anything in place to eradicate so this can stop being a constant issue.
A. First step is to inform the contractor (GPDB) Service Calls department and report the possibility of having potential rodent activity in the residence.  Following this first step, ensure the 4-step housing issue resolution process is followed so you receive the right visibility on the issue and maximum support.
 
In the short-term, the tenant will be temporarily relocated during the rodent activity assessment; relocation will be the Patriot Home or Temporary Lodging Allowance (NGIS/hotel). Afterwards, once the activity is confirmed, they will move to a new permanent residence using Intra-Station Move Funds.
In the long-term, GPDB is preventing rodent harborage by filling open pipes with foam and capping them.
As part of the pest control efforts, GPDB is filling pipes to prevent rodents and planning trap/rodenticide placement in external areas.
 
Playgrounds
Q. I'm curious if (and desperately hoping that) there will be more to the playgrounds that are just swings or swinging benches and spring rider toys. I'm at a loss for what to tell my 8 year old when he asks why the playgrounds are so sad (especially compared to what used to be there and what is still rusting to pieces in so, so many places). The new ones that are full playgrounds with shade are wonderful!
A. Additional funding has been requested from CNIC via Joint Region Marianas to add full play structures on multiple re-opened playgrounds, ie. North Tipalao (Valencia & Monterey) and Lockwood (Orote & Aldrich).
 
In addition, currently working with CNIC in reviving 11 additional locations for playgrounds with intent to have full play structures, swing sets for both 2-5 and 6-12 years old, tire swings, rockers, shades structures, hopscotch, lightings (solar panel) and fences.
 
Q. Park updates Lockwood housing, especially the small one Aldrich/elrod and the big one across from the school. They were to be done in January. The small one had a play area and swings before and now there is a bench swing and two small things in the ground.... And then the big one was hoping it would be like the big play ground at the front of Lockwood but just swings were put in. Are they considered finished?
A. Additional funding has been requested from CNIC via Joint Region Marianas to install additional playground equipment to include full play structure in four locations at Lockwood -Location 1. Aldrich; Location 2. Orote; Location 3. Valencia; Location 4. Monterey
 
 
Q. Is there a time line made for the other park areas in north tip to be started?
A. Additional funding has been requested from CNIC via Joint Region Marianas to add full play structures on multiple re-opened playgrounds, ie. North Tipalao (Valencia & Monterey) and Lockwood (Orote & Aldrich).
 
In addition, currently working with CNIC in reviving 11 additional locations for playgrounds and with intent to have full play structures, swing sets for both 2-5 and 6-12 years old, tire swings, rockers, shades structures, hopscotch, lightings (solar panel) and fences. At this time, there is no specific timeline for these repairs as they are in the final planning and funding stages. Please stay tuned to our NBG social media pages for updates.
 
Q. Playgrounds with two swings and a bouncy toy - is that it? Will they add more to those playgrounds?
A. Additional funding has been requested from CNIC via Joint Region Marianas to add full play structures on multiple re-opened playgrounds, ie. North Tipalao (Valencia & Monterey) and Lockwood (Orote & Aldrich).
 
In addition, currently working with CNIC in reviving 11 additional locations for playgrounds and with intent to have full play structures, swing sets for both 2-5 and 6-12 years old, tire swings, rockers, shades structures, hopscotch, lightings (solar panel) and fences.

 
Dual Military Housing Policy
Q. Are there any instruction or policy for dual mil family living in base housing? I know rank plays a role of how many bedrooms your eligible for and occupancy but what about dual mil families. We cannot utilize each other in our family care plan, so why can we not get 1 extra bedroom in case we activate our family care plan. So it makes sense to give someone a higher rank a house with however many bedrooms because of their rank but not to a dual mil household. If there isn't a policy what could we do to make it easy for dual mil household. We are out here in Guam giving everything for the mission away from support group back in stateside, but cannot activate family care plan due to living in base housing and not having the room to provide for our family care plan person to help. If there is a policy, please let us know.
 
A. For dual military families with dependents, CNIC policy does allow for the more senior person to apply for family housing. However as for the family care plan, this does not apply and an Exception to Policy must be routed if requesting above the eligible bedroom category. Visit the Housing office for more information on this policy.
 
MWR
Q. Maybe the teen center could be funded better. It’s been closed since March 22. Is there a status update on this?
A. There is a plan to swap School Age Care (SAC) with the Teen Center location to allow for more space and accommodate children currently on the waiting list. Plans for this swap will take place while the Teen Center is closed so that when the appropriate staffing is reached, the center can reopen.  Unfortunately, due to current hiring challenges, we are unsure of the anticipated timeline for this to occur.  We are working diligently to go through the process to request billets to be filled and also look forward to getting the teens back in the center.
 
Q. Is there an update on when Teen Center will be reopening?
A. There is a plan to swap School Age Care (SAC) with the Teen Center location to allow for more space and accommodate children currently on the waiting list. Plans for this swap will take place while the Teen Center is closed so that when the appropriate staffing is reached, the center can reopen.  Unfortunately, due to current hiring challenges, we are unsure of the anticipated timeline for this to occur.  We are working diligently to go through the process to request billets to be filled and also look forward to getting the teens back in the center.
 
Q. Sir the navy base library does not have a CD reader to access medical records that families have either from the last duty station or from an in town medical referral. The library has submitted a request multiple times for this; but no movement. The USO doesn’t have one either; nor does Fleet & Family.
Is this something that can be looked into?
A. As of May 1, MWR Guam Library has a CD reader for patron use but are advised that all documents/files may not be easily viewed or accessed depending on the program.
 
Q. We would love an update on establishing a water source for the community gardens and the next steps!
A. There are no plans or intent for NBG to expend resources to establish a water source at the three locations identified for community gardens.  However, as demolition of old playgrounds occur, NBG is planning to re-use these areas as additional community garden areas.  These areas will already have a water source in place.
 
Q. Are the community gardens going to be up and running soon or can we have the same benefits that Anderson has with their ability to have gardens supplied to the houses?
A. Three locations were previously identified for use as community gardens and are available for use.  Plans for donated material and labor to assemble planter boxes fell through.  MWR will be reaching out to interested parties to re-attack on the planning to provide donated material.
 
Commissary
Q. What is going on with the power at the commissary? And is there a timeline on it being fixed?
A. High voltage teams were working at the commissary to install a new automatic transfer switch. The contractor experienced several challenges during the installation which caused the multiple power outages.  The work is now complete.  The power outages were an isolated incident specific to this corrective maintenance action and no further power disruptions are anticipated.

Laundromat
Q. Can the powers to be conduct a walk through of the laundromat? I don’t care about the nice self serve mart. That isn’t going to wash & dry the clothes. There are only 3 dryers that actually dry. What’s being done to address this?
A. We understand the NEX Laundromat is outdated and in need of a refresh. A project is currently being worked and will be submitted for approval and funding. In the meantime, we are trying to maintain the machines we currently have by conducting repairs. Some machines can be repaired by using resources on island, while some require parts that are ordered off island, which takes time.
 
As of mid-May 7 Machines are out of order (3 of the #30 dryers, 2 of the #15 dryers, and 2 coin operated washers).  We will continue to work on repairing these machines. Vending technicians were able to check the remaining washers & dryers and found them all working and heating properly. 
 
We value your comments and would welcome more information so we can target specific machines and/or issues. Our vending team will respond immediately.
 
Speed Limits
Q. Can discuss about people respect the speed limit? How is the speed limit being enforced?
A. Speeding is enforced on base. To report speeding, please contact one of the
following:
 
NBG Naval Security Force Desk Sergeant: 671-333-7326
NBG Naval Security Force Watch Commander: 671-888-3969 (Cell)
 
For any emergency or immediate need of law enforcement response, please dial
911. On base emergencies are patched through to the Joint Region Marianas
Regional Dispatch Center.
 
Spanish Steps
Q. Update on estimate of when we can expect access to Spanish Steps to open back up?
A. Spanish Steps has been closed due to operations. Kilo Pier, located in the vicinity of Spanish Steps, is an ammunition handling pier. When ammunition is being handled there, Spanish Steps closes per CNO level policy that is not waiverable by NBG. The frequent closure is an indicator of the pace of operations occurring on the Orote Peninsula.  NBG will communicate via social media when Spanish Steps is open and ensure that MWR is ready to support.

Pharmacy
Q. With the base expanding, is there a plan to get more pharmaceuticals on island since there have been many shortages over the last few months?
A. USNH strives to maintain a 3-month supply of each medication on the shelf based off historical demand from all patients. This is above and beyond the recommended stock levels but necessary for our challenging supply chain. Maintaining this approach will allow us to account for increased numbers of patients. Please keep in mind this is not always possible due to intermittent nationwide supply shortages affecting all pharmacies and the challenging supply chain being in Guam. Additionally, Fleet & operational support at times can drastically reduce our stock levels for a time until our re-supply arrives. But we strive to prepare for these Fleet & operational support requests in advance as much as possible. Finally, we have hired a dedicated civilian pharmacy supply technician who is now a few months into the job and already paying dividends to decrease shortages.
 
Q. Both Navy MTF Pharmacies have ongoing delivery address issues with their distributor which causes many of the Navy's pharmaceutical shipments to be returned to sender, and has forced MTF patients to abruptly stop taking their medications and go without them for months on end. Has the Navy MTF Pharmacies secured a new distributor? If not, how do the Navy MTFs plan to uphold their obligation to provide medications to their eligible patients? Because this is absolutely ridiculous and has gone on way too long. It's time we stop writing to ICE and start notifying Congress about the complete lack of care patients are receiving out here.
A. The delivery address issue for Schedule II controlled substances, such as Adderall and Concerta, to Naval Hospital Guam originated with the vendor in the States and was further complicated by the local U.S. Postal Service office. The Naval Hospital worked tirelessly for months with senior leadership both within the military medical community and the military logistics community to find a resolution to the problem. As of the week of 4/14 we received our first shipment since October of schedule II controlled substance medications delivered to the correct address. We are awaiting the delivery of a second order in a few weeks to feel comfortable saying the issue has been resolved.

Q. Is there any way to streamline the process to get medications?
A. To streamline the medication process, we implemented Q-Anywhere, which allows for patients to skip the pharmacy line and check-in remotely via phone or internet for non-hardcopy new or renewal prescriptions electronically entered by providers. Patients then receive a text message when their meds are ready. Visit our Facebook page for more information. This system has improved efficiency and makes prescription pick-up much more convenient for patients.
 
Additionally, we are in the process of launching ScriptCenter, a secure locker system where patients can pick up their medications at their convenience. Once operational, ScriptCenter will be located near the quarterdeck and available 24/7/365. For example, if you call in a refill, instead of pulling a ticket and waiting at the pharmacy, you will be able to retrieve your medication directly from the ScriptCenter at any time.

For non-hardcopy prescriptions, patients can use Q-Anywhere to request their medication and ask for it to be placed in the ScriptCenter, eliminating the need to visit the pharmacy counter altogether.

Navy Exchange
Q. What can be done about the flies in the food court?
A. The NEX has taken aggressive steps to increase the frequency of cleaning tables, disposing waste, adding bait traps, and additional blue lights in the food court.  The flies will continue to enter the building until front doors are replaced.  A work order for replacement has been submitted to Public Works. 
 
Q. Why are haircuts $15 at the barber shop?
A. The NEX has taken a very slow approach to increase military haircuts over the past two years.  Since the increase to the federal minimum wage to $15, the NEX has continued to offer competitive prices lower than AAFES and other local shops outside the gate. Our commitment to provide quality goods and services at a savings is a big part of the NEX mission.
 
Q. Has Trusted traveler affected merchandise availability for the military patrons?
A. The NEX has tracked sales, merchandise instocks, and fuel levels since the implementation of trusted traveler.  The NEX has remained at an average of 88-93% instock rates and we have not experienced any sales spikes outside of large ship visits.
 
Q. When will the food court have more vendors?
A. The NEX has just awarded Sbarro’s a contract to operate in the Main Store Food Court.  They are planning to open early in 2026.  The other two vacant spaces have gone out for bid and our NEXCOM contracting office will be reviewing proposals.  We are looking at last quarter of 2026 for all spaces to filled.
 
Q. When do rewards expire?
A. Rewards expire 60 days after issuance.

Q. Do all of my purchases count towards NEXtLevel Rewards? 

 
Q. What happens to my Reward points when I return an item?
A. Your points will be deducted based on the value of your return
 
Q. Can I use my NEXtLevel Rewards with other discounts and/or coupons?
A. Yes, you can use your rewards with other discounts and coupons
 
Q. What happens if I return something I bought using my rewards?
A. If you return an item that was purchased (in part or in full) with a reward, that reward will be forfeited and you will not be able to use it again on another purchase.
 
Q. Can I share my membership with a family member or friend?
A. No, NEXtLevel Rewards accounts are individual and should not be shared with family or friends. Please note that your ability to participate in NEXtLevel Rewards is governed by our Authorized Patron policy.

Veterinary
 Q.I am planning on PCSing and I have pets, what should I do to set myself and family up for success?
A. Once you know you are PCSing, recommend contacting Boller Veterinary Treatment Facility located on Naval Base Guam (671-333-3225) to get the most up-to-date recommendations from our wonderful staff. Recommend scheduling a PCS-preparation veterinary appointment with the Veterinary Treatment Facility at least 3-6 months prior to your PCS to ensure your pets have all the required vaccinations and recommended preventive diagnostics prior to travel. It is also recommended that you research the requirements of the location you are traveling to on this website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel) and contact the airline (e.g., Patriot Express, United, etc.) to ensure you meet their requirements and are able to schedule a flight. Lastly, you will need a veterinary health certificate issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the Guam Department of Agriculture, issued within 10 days of travel. If you have any questions along the process, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Boller Veterinary Treatment Facility!
 
Q. What is Leptospirosis and do my dogs need a vaccination for Leptospirosis in Guam?
A. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria. It affects people and animals. Leptospirosis can be transmitted from animal-to-animal or animal-to-human in the urine of infected animals such as mice, domestic
animals, or wildlife, particularly when infected animals urinate in stagnant water. Dogs can become infected with this disease when licking stagnant water such as a puddle contaminated with these bacteria. Leptospirosis is prevalent in Guam, and can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening disease. The leptospirosis vaccine, administered by veterinarians, is a recommended core vaccination for all dogs, and it's a highly effective way to protect them against this potentially serious disease. Some studies show that the vaccine provides up to 84% protection against clinical disease and 88% against carrier status. It is important to note, that this vaccination may not be recommended for every dog, for example if they have had a previous serious allergic reaction to it. If your dog has had a previous vaccine reaction, please consult with your primary care veterinarian before administration. 
 
Q. What is Heartworm disease and is prevention for it needed in Guam?
 A. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species. It is transmitted by mosquitos and is prevalent in Guam. Heartworm disease can be prevented, most commonly with routine (typically monthly) oral chews or topical preventive medications prescribed by a veterinarian. It is recommended that dogs be tested for heartworm disease at least annually by a veterinarian and remain on heartworm prevention year-round. If your pet has been off prevention and you would like to start them on prevention, or if they have missed any prevention doses, please consult with your veterinarian.