BARRIGADA, Guam – Not since World War II have so many combat ground forces landed on Guam in such a short period. In less than 30 minutes, nearly 400 paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, jumped from C-17 Globemasters onto the runways of Andersen Air Force Base June 30.
Operation Spartan Flex exercised joint capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Command Region. The Guam National Guard supported the exercise with medics, field litter ambulances, air medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and engineer teams in case of tree landings. It also provided cargo trucks with drive teams for parachute recovery, communications support, and more.
“It was exciting to be part of something so large-scale, and with such a strategic impact,” said Capt. Leona Campbell, the officer in charge who led the Guard’s 53-person support team. “It was even more exciting to see our Soldiers do what they joined to do. The medics got to do their jobs, our communications people, engineers. … Everyone executed their functional area and got to show their expertise. Plus, our leaders got to lead. It was amazing to see it all come together.
“Thank you to my NCOIC (noncommissioned officer in charge), Staff Sgt. Tara Lujan, for being there every step of the way and making it happen,” Campbell said. “Thanks also to Lt. Col. David Santos and our TAG (the adjutant general), Maj. Gen. (GU) Esther Aguigui, for believing in me and in our Soldiers to accomplish this mission. Mostly, thank you to our Soldiers. You worked alongside active-duty Soldiers who get sets and reps every day, and you all performed at their level. I’m extremely proud of you all.”