NAS AGANA Guam Crash & Rescue

• Strategic Location: NAS Agana (Naval Air Station Agana) in Guam was a key Pacific base for the U.S. Navy, playing a crucial role in Cold War and Vietnam War operations due to its proximity to Asia. • Crash & Rescue Origins: Crash & Rescue units at NAS Agana were established to provide immediate firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical response for military aircraft incidents on and around the airfield. • Typhoon Response: The Crash & Rescue teams were vital in disaster response, especially during typhoons, assisting both military and local civilian populations with emergency services. • Vietnam War Support: During the Vietnam War, NAS Agana’s Crash & Rescue responded to emergencies involving combat-damaged aircraft diverting to Guam, saving countless lives. • 24/7 Operations: The Crash & Rescue unit maintained round-the-clock readiness, often conducting drills and live-fire exercises to ensure rapid response times. • Major Incidents: In the 1970s and 1980s, the unit responded to several major aircraft crashes, including mishaps involving Navy and Air Force jets, often under hazardous conditions. • Joint Training: Crash & Rescue personnel frequently trained with Guam Fire Department and Andersen Air Force Base teams, fostering interagency cooperation on the island. • Community Engagement: The unit participated in public safety demonstrations and school visits, educating locals on fire safety and emergency preparedness. • Closure and Legacy: After NAS Agana’s closure in 1995 due to BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure), many Crash & Rescue members continued their service in other military or civilian emergency response roles. • Historic Recognition: Veterans of NAS Agana’s Crash & Rescue have held reunions and contributed to preserving the unit’s history, sharing stories of bravery and camaraderie with the broader military community.