SAIPAN, CNMI – The Department of War (DoW) was completing its primary response and retrograde operations after a multi-month effort, April to July, to support the communities of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) in response to Typhoon Sinlaku when Super Typhoon Bavi made its approach. Joint military service members from across U.S. Pacific Command immediately pivoted their focus to respond to the devastating impacts of Super Typhoon Bavi.
Recognizing the persistent and volatile weather patterns in the Marianas, DoW and joint force elements maintained their forward posture rather than fully drawing down. By keeping critical assets, logistical hubs, and personnel proactively positioned across Guam and the CNMI, the joint force is ensuring a rapid, resilient, and unified response to the subsequent Typhoon recovery efforts.
"Our service members are your neighbors, and we are committed to serving our communities. On behalf of JTF-M, we extend our thoughts and unwavering support to the people of Guam and the CNMI during this time," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force - Micronesia. "Our primary role is to support civil authorities and provide assistance to those in need. This is truly a unified team effort. We are working alongside first responders, emergency managers, and community leaders to protect lives and property."
Following the passage of Typhoon Sinlaku, Guam immediately served as a critical Federal Staging Area for contingency operations. Air support elements from HSC-25 conducted vital aerial assessments alongside FEMA and government representatives to establish a clear operational picture for both Guam and the CNMI.
Simultaneously, U.S. Sailors and Marines from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) executed crisis response operations. This included a major debris removal effort at Ypao Beach on April 21, 2026, with the USS Portland providing crucial assistance.
The USS Portland further supported the mission by utilizing Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels to rapidly move vital supplies and equipment. To support heavy machinery operations on neighboring islands, Army Reserve members transported an M978 HEMTT fuel tanker from Guam to Saipan via LCAC.
Local infrastructure support was bolstered by Guam Army National Guardsmen, who were activated to manage traffic movements at critical intersections. At Andersen Air Force Base, the 36th Wing managed complex interisland logistics, effectively transporting multiple loads of lumber to the CNMI to initiate priority roofing reconstruction.
At the peak of Typhoon Sinlaku response on April 25, 2026, over 9,600 DoW personnel were deployed across the Marianas, working alongside FEMA, local first responders, and community leaders to protect lives, restore critical infrastructure, and provide essential services to those affected by the typhoon.
Sole Saipan Recovery Efforts Typhoon Sinlaku Seabees in Saipan deployed immediately following Typhoon Sinlakus’ impact, to conduct urgent route clearance. These operations prioritized clearing major thoroughfares to ensure safe and unhindered access to hospitals and emergency medical services.
Working under FEMA's lead, the DoW allocated a daily rotation of 30 military personnel to collaborate with local fire departments on emergency sheltering. This unified effort successfully constructed481 temporary tentsfor displaced residents whose homes were heavily damaged or destroyed.
To restore essential power, LCACs delivered heavy generators, a HEMTT, and dump trucks to the Port of Saipan. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the 249th Engineer Battalion rapidly installed these generators to supply emergency power to the island's critical facilities.
Water purification was another major operational success. Red Horse Airmen and the 9th Mission Support Command established multiple Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units (ROWPU), ultimately producing over131,000 gallons of clean water.
Complementing the infrastructure restoration, joint engineering teams completed114 emergency roofs, while the 9th MSC executed targeted repairs at the Aging Center and Ada Gym. Finally, CTF 75 successfully dredged4,000 cubic yards of sandto restore Smiling Cove without adversely impacting protected species.
Sole Tinian Recovery Efforts Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery efforts on Tinian focused heavily on large-scale horizontal construction and restoring essential services. Prior to all missions, personnel conducted comprehensive site surveys to evaluate on-site considerations and ensure operational safety. Engineering units achieved massive route clearance milestones to improve local transit. The Seabees successfully cleared49.53 miles of road, while RED HORSE teams cleared an additional 27 miles of roadways.
For emergency sheltering, Seabees constructed179 tents, supported by RED HORSE personnel who built administrative tent offices at the Youth Center. The 36th Wing and the 21st Air Task Force coordinated the transport and construction of essential tenting supplies.
Power restoration operations stabilized the island's infrastructure. Joint air assets delivered generators that immediately supported the hospital's grid. By early June 2026, prime generators supplied a peak of940kWto safely energize the police station, fire station, and essential water infrastructure. Additionally, Seabees and Marines completed83 emergency roofsto protect local residents.
Rota Maritime and Aerial Assessments Typhoon Sinlaku In Rota, the U.S. Coast Guard played an instrumental role in conducting vital search and rescue missions while leading initial port damage assessments to restore maritime access. Seaport salvage clearance operations quickly moved into the assessment phase, jointly managed by CTF 75 and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC). NAVFAC provided critical crane support to facilitate ongoing heavy-lifting and clearance operations.
Aerial logistics were rapidly established by the 36th Contingency Response Squadron and HSC-25, who managed aerial port operations and served as the primary airfield assessment team. Rounding out the localized recovery efforts, DoW joint teams successfully completed27 emergency roofsand constructed 14 tents for immediate shelter requirements.
To support the recovering economy, military personnel were authorized to purchase meals from local restaurants and grocery stores, directly injecting federal funds into the community. Forward coordinating elements arrived self-sufficient with their own food and water to avoid straining local resources.
Operating under the Department of War, JTF-M is committed to providing DSCA. In partnership with civil authorities and community leaders, JTF-M provides highly trained and ready personnel to protect lives and property during domestic emergencies, always ensuring a unified, professional, and transparent effort.
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2026 16:14 |
| Story ID: | 570037 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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