The living conditions at an Air Force barracks in Guam have sparked a Navy-wide inspection after a visit from Navy Secretary John Phelan earlier this month revealed severe deficiencies. Phelan expressed shock at the state of the barracks, prompting immediate actions and relocations of service members.
During his inspection, Phelan noted exposed wires, corroded plumbing, and mold-covered walls at the Palau Hall barracks on Andersen Air Force Base. The situation led to more than 70 Marines and sailors being moved out, with plans to relocate another 77 airmen. A $53 million renovation is set to commence later this year, according to an Air Force spokesperson.
The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) highlighted the issue after obtaining images and correspondence that revealed the barracks were in unacceptable condition. Vice Adm. Scott Gray of the Navy called it “a failure of leadership,” and directed a comprehensive inspection of over 100,000 barracks units, to be completed by the end of June.
Phelan’s visit resulted in a directive for the Marines and sailors to vacate the barracks within 10 days. New housing at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz was made available sooner than planned. “I actually thought the buildings were condemned,” Phelan told POGO.
Gray’s follow-up email stressed the importance of ensuring barracks were up to standard, stating, “If you would not want a sailor’s mother/family visiting them at the housing unit, then you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Fix It!” The Navy aims to assure that sailors live in proper conditions, regardless of the owning branch.
The barracks evaluation involves a “red, yellow, or green” status, with “red” prompting immediate relocation and “yellow” demanding priority restoration. Currently, no Marines or sailors remain in the affected Air Force barracks on Guam, having been moved to Blaz facilities.
POGO’s René Kladzyk noted that substandard living conditions are a widespread issue not limited to Guam and often affect junior service members. “Exposed wiring has very real fire hazard risks. Mold can have a range of severe health impacts,” she emphasized.
The Marine Corps recently announced a relocation to new barracks at Camp Blaz, with troops describing it as a “huge upgrade.” Capt. Brenda Leenders highlighted the fortunate timing that allowed the move from Air Force facilities.
Junior troops have faced poor barracks conditions for years, often sidelined by operational priorities. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report revealed widespread issues, including mold and rodent infestations. Despite efforts for improvement, funding remains a challenge.
The Pentagon’s recent decision to divert $1 billion from Army barracks to a border mission adds to the funding struggle. Rob Evans, creator of Hots & Cots, expressed concern over the decision’s impact on recruitment and retention.
Efforts are underway to address these issues, with the Air Force committed to improving conditions as part of its “4-year Dorm Master Plan,” allocating $115 million to facilities at Andersen. However, a significant $49.5 billion maintenance backlog remains a hurdle, as highlighted by Michael Saunders of the Air Force in a congressional statement.
In strategic locations like Guam, maintaining infrastructure is critical for mission success. “Maintenance and repair funding levels have not kept pace with the rising cost of construction,” Saunders noted, stressing the risk to mission execution.
