Guam Q

[Zero Niner]

It's March 1945 and I've been based at Guam since the beginning of the year - actually when I took command of the USS Tench I was based at Saipan but at the end of the patrol the base was switched to Guam.

Historically, was Guam a major sub base, or was it more like a forward base?

[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by Zero Niner

It's March 1945 and I've been based at Guam since the beginning of the year - actually when I took command of the USS Tench I was based at Saipan but at the end of the patrol the base was switched to Guam.

Historically, was Guam a major sub base, or was it more like a forward base?

yes to both questions.
Guam was known to the USA because it became a protectorate territory after the Spanish-American war. it was a key coaling and oiling station for all ships transiting the Pacific, both ways.
Nimitz wanted it back not only to keep his 3rd/5th fleet closer to where they would be going, but also his submarine force. Never forget that Nimitz wore Dolphins.
So, after planning and executing the Marianas campaign, Nimitz turned over Tinian to the Zoomies and EVERYONE else wanted into Guam. Nimitz moved his HQ out there to get closer to the action also. the CB's worked like dogs to repair/upgrade the port facilities on that tiny island. By the end of the war, it was a key repair/replenishment stop.
on a personal note, my father spoke fondly of Guam and i think he would have liked to revisit it at some point in his life.
so, does that answer your question(s)?


p.s. there are all kinds of references for you to read on this topic. try volume 8 and then 12 through 14 of S.E. Morison's History of U.S. Naval Operations. then refer to his bibliography in the back of the volumes for more material. you can also get a shorter version by reading E.B. Potter's biography, Nimitz. very instructive but less detail than Morison. both can be had from a local library and probably online.

[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by KaleunMarco

Never forget that Nimitz wore Dolphins.

He certainly achieved great porpoise in life as well!

[Mad Mardigan]

Originally Posted by Aktungbby

He certainly achieved great porpoise in life as well!

Thanx for that gut buster moment, Aktungbby...



M. M.

[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by Aktungbby

He certainly achieved great porpoise in life as well!

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Zero Niner

It's March 1945 and I've been based at Guam since the beginning of the year - actually when I took command of the USS Tench I was based at Saipan but at the end of the patrol the base was switched to Guam.

Historically, was Guam a major sub base, or was it more like a forward base?

Yes. In fact COMSUBPAC (Lockwood) moved his HQ to Guam in Spring ( I believe it was March) 1945. Now, plenty of subs were still based at Pearl, Majuro, but they rotated about. Saipan was used starting Fall 1944 because it was captured/secured first, had facilities to host a few subs, especially with a sub tender or two there.

[Zero Niner]

Thanks for the replies.