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DEDEDO, Guam — On May 26, a Guam National Guard unit deployed under Task Force Talon, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, joined the Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 for joint medical evacuation and air assault tactical training at the island’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense site.
Capt. Alejo Lujan, commander of Delta Company, 1-294th Infantry Regiment, led the effort. “Guam is far from the continental United States, so we must be creative and collaborate with our sister services to maximize resources,” Lujan said. “Partnering with the HSC-25 ‘Island Knights’ satisfied mutual training requirements and sharpened our real-world coordination.”
The drill centered on MEDEVAC and air assault tasks that remain core for the participating units and a primary insertion method in the PACOM theater. HSC-25 fulfilled annual requirements in landing zone identification, troop transport, and tactical battle drills, while Soldiers trained on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, LZ operations, and scenarios reflecting both combat and peacetime conditions.
Delta Company is currently deployed to secure the Guam THAAD site under Task Force Talon’s operational control. Lt. Col. Christopher Garnett, Task Force Talon commander, underscored the value of the collaboration. “Guam is entirely a Joint Operational Environment,” Garnett said. “Capitalizing on these opportunities not only sharpens our Soldiers’ tactical skills, but it also enhances interoperability and builds deep trust across the Joint Force.”
The training also reflected Guam’s integrated military footprint: HSC-25 is stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, and Task Force Talon hosted the event on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. “The main takeaway is that we have exceptional joint partners right here on the island with whom we can build symbiotic relationships,” Lujan said. “The Island Knights are consummate professionals, and we both have unique capabilities that strengthen the other. Ultimately, we proved that supporting one another is as simple as reaching out.”
The two units are already planning expanded follow-on training.
