News from Around JRM

Naval Base Guam cleans up fuel spill, no impact to natural resources

14 January 2025

From NBG PAO

NAVAL BASE GUAM – U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) responded to a diesel fuel spill reported in the waters surrounding Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) in Apra Harbor onboard NBG, Jan. 12 at 3:55 p.m.

NAVAL BASE GUAM – U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) responded to a diesel fuel spill reported in the waters surrounding Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) in Apra Harbor onboard NBG, Jan. 12 at 3:55 p.m.

The fuel spill source was immediately secured, and the fuel was 100 percent contained within floating booms around the ship. The cleanup was completed Jan. 13.

The incident did not impact the natural resources within the harbor, the community’s potable water supply, or the Navy’s mission.

The spill occurred between the ship and a Navy fuel barge during routine refueling operations. Per standard procedures, personnel positioned oil booms around the ship prior to refueling operations. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directives and Navy procedures, personnel used an oil skimmer, absorbent oil booms and spill pads as part of the cleanup and recovery process. The estimate of the spill is approximately 2,200 gallons, which have all been recovered.

The spill was reported to the National Response Center and the Guam EPA. Guam EPA representatives were present during the inspection following the cleanup.

The Navy is committed to operating worldwide in an environmentally responsible manner, both ashore and afloat. Prevention is the Navy's first line of defense with the goal of reducing the number of spills that occur.

NBG is working closely with our Public Works Department, environmental engineers, and regulatory partners to address the situation and continue to maintain strict compliance with local and federal regulations and Navy directives.

Lake Erie, homeported in San Diego, is operating under Destroyer Squadron 15 and Commander, Task Force 70 and is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

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