Approximately 330 full-time civilian employees currently assigned to support Andersen Air Force Base will administratively transfer from the Navy to the Air Force April 11.
On Nov. 9, 2020, former Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William K. Lescher and Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps Gen. Gary L. Thomas, signed a new Joint Base Memorandum of Agreement to change the joint region construct returning selected 18 of 44 installation support functions to the Air Force at Andersen AFB.
"This change will improve Andersen (AFB)'s ability to build multi-capable Airmen now and into the future as we work to further operationalize the base," said Brig. Gen. Jeremy T. Sloane, 36th Wing commander. "The agreement also gives us improved fiscal control and operational flexibility so we can better support operations in the Indo-Pacific in line with the National Defense Strategy."
The agreement further allows the Navy to initiate a resource transfer of approximately $630 million to the Air Force. The primary functions realigned include; fire and emergency services, installation law enforcement and physical security, contracting, facility management, and logistics and transportation services.
"This is a big win for us; not only are we getting 330 new Airmen, but this also opens the door to additional manning from the Air Force," Sloane said. "Over the next five years, we're expecting to receive approximately 380 additional personnel, which will allow us to operate more effectively and efficiently. I'd like to give a big thanks to the Joint Region Marianas staff for helping make this a reality."
To prepare for the transfer, Andersen AFB and JRM hosted a series of planning meetings and town-hall meetings to ensure a seamless transition. Employee payroll and human resources activities will change, however, there are no anticipated changes to employee's position title, series, grade and general duties assigned. Full operational capability is expected no later than Oct. 1, 2021.
A United States Air Force fire protection badge is shown during a shift change at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 12, 2021. Civilian firefighters changed their badges from Joint Region Marianas to U.S. Air Force fire protection as part of the realignment from Navy to Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael S. Murphy)
