Northwest Field critical to training, ecosystem

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Andersen Air Force Base's Northwest Field has, over the years, become a critical training asset to support current operations.

Along with essential contingency training, the area is also important to the future of Guam's ecosystem, with several endangered species calling the area home.

Northwest Field offers several unique training opportunities not found elsewhere in the U.S. Pacific Command's area of responsibility that enables a realistic training environment for the 36th Contingency Response Group officials.

"Northwest Field is an invaluable location to provide a venue where the 36th CRG can practice one of its primary missions, air base opening, as well as humanitarian assistance operations," said Col. Daniel Settergren, the 36th CRG commander. "It also provides an austere location to bed-down Airmen who must train to operate in exactly that type of environment."

the Commando Warrior training program is also at Northwest Field. It provides pre-deployment training for all Pacific Air Forces security forces members deploying in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to providing one-of-a-kind training in a single location, Northwest Field has unique environmental assets that must be protected. Air Force officials work daily to maintain their partnership with local wildlife authorities and continue to keep their reputation as good stewards of the environment intact.

"The limestone forest of Northwest Field and also the larger area of Andersen (AFB) is the last large expanse of limestone forest on Guam," said David Lotz, the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron natural resources planner. "This area is the habitat for several endangered species of birds and needs to be protected for the eventual reintroduction of those species."

Northwest Field is also home to areas of historic and current significance to the Air Force and the people of Guam. The Northern Aquifer, Guam's main source of fresh water, can be found 500 feet below the surface of the field. The airfield qualifies for the national historic registry because of its importance to air operations and their historical impact since its construction. And of archaeological significance, there's a site of ancient Chamorro artifacts Air Force officials go to great lengths to preserve.

Maintaining a second-to-none training area while protecting the native ecosystem and historical sites is a process involving close coordination with several agencies, dedication of resources and preventing conflicting uses.

"All training planned on Northwest Field is coordinated with many wing and outside agencies such as the environmental office in the 36th CES," Colonel Settergren said. "They conduct environmental impact analyses, employ an environmental assessment team, conduct a cross-tell of information and analyze whether or not the training event will adversely affect the environment."

Air Force officials have invested in a variety of measures to protect the habitat at Northwest Field. For example, barriers prevent foliage-destroying deer and pig populations from damaging native bird nesting areas, Mr. Lotz said. Andersen AFB is also actively engaged in the protection of endangered sea turtle nests that are found in increasing numbers every year because of the protection efforts of 36th CES Environmental Flight members.

"The balance between protecting the environment and protecting our nation is one that takes extreme dedication and perseverance," said Brig. Gen. Philip M. Ruhlman, the 36th Wing commander. "The 36th Wing at Andersen AFB is committed to doing both with excellence. As we demonstrated by passing last week's no-notice EPA inspection, we continue to excel in this regard. We, the U.S. Air Force, along with our partners the U.S. Navy, are appointed stewards of this land and promise to continue its preservation with exceptional standards."