Guam: Why America's Most Isolated Territory Exists 

So many of you will know that I already made a video on Guam ages ago! This is a bit of a "take 2" on that as it's a fascinating place and this time I went on location and learned about what has happened on the island after the North Korean missile threat. Most importantly, I filmed a behind the scenes video with Brian from Real Engineering and Joseph from Real Life Lore which you can watch here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cNYJH4MQDuo.html

"Last summer when they were playing whose... _missile_ was bigger"

Almost everytime I would travel back home to Guam from the states, I had to have an argument with the TSA officer who would tell me i need to go to the international side and would have to argue with him or her for a solid 10 minutes to explain to them that Guam flights are domestic lol

Lived there for three years until 1965. Every once in a while, a Japanese soldier would emerge from the jungle with the belief that WWII was still in place. I've read the last one was 1972. Imagine living alone in a jungle for 20 years.

You missed the 18 golf courses That are crammed on the Island. It is cheaper for Japanese businessmen to fly to Guam for a day of golf, Than to use a local golf club

One thing not mentioned is that Guam residents do not pay taxes to the Federal government. The taxes remain with the local government.

NK: *Threatens to blow up Guam* SK: "First time?"

As a Chamorro who was raised both on Guam and in the mainland, the way this video was made is AMAZING. I really love the thorough research that was done and the footage that was captured. I wish he was able to interview more locals from Guam, but other than that this was a proper way to document Guam :)

I remember being stationed down there for 3 months, only 3 months and I cried when I left because that place was so beautiful, even the people they were super kind it felt like everyone was family. Here in the states feels like everyone is competing with one another, I’m planning to go and live out there so my kids could see what real good people are like. LOVE U GUAM PPL !!

I was stationed on Guam with my family in the late 90s. We loved it so much we left the military and stayed another four years. Had two more children while we were there. We still have friends there that are more like family. My wife and I still look back to our years there as our good old days. Love to the Chamorro people❤️

Guam is more developed than wyoming

One of my best friends is from Guam and I met him in the military. If you look at per capita Guam has the most people that serve compared to any US state or territory. Really great people from there I have met, and the food is amazing. Spicy but amazing. It sucks that they don’t get all the same privileges as other US citizens when they are so patriotic to their country.

I spent 15 months on Guam in the AF. I loved it. 85° year round. I miss it every day. The people are pretty friendly and the beaches are the best.

South Koreans were like “damn they tryna blow y’all up too?!” and came through w the tourism 😂

After he said "Guam is the US" for the 193rd time, I wondered if Guam is the US.

I lived on Guam from 1989 to 1993 while my father was stationed there in the AF. I got stationed there in 1998 to 99 while serving in the Seabees. I really miss Guam! They need to have statehood!

My father was stationed on Guam during WWII. His job was an airplane engine mechanic. Told me about how all the generals were lined up one day watching the first B-29's land on the Island.

Guam is also a location of a major Naval base. That is the major reason why the US will never let them go.

I spent over three years on that island when I was in the Navy. There were parts of it I really enjoyed like the great photography and the swimming in the ocean. An interesting note, the McDonalds there is the largest in the world.

my older cousin used to live in guam since her dad was stationed on an air force base there. my grandma always talks about how beautiful it was when they'd go visit.

My ex husband did 2 tours there. The first time we were station there we were there for 4 years. Our first two children was born there. We were there from 1981 to 1985. In 1991 we had orders for 3 years there. I loved the warm weather all year round. My ex and I both grew up in Michigan. We still have local friends there in Guam. I would love to go back some time for a vacation. I miss the beaches on Guam. Our first tour on Guam we use to take the bus from NCTAMS down to NAS{Big Navy} then walk all the way up to the McDonld's in Tumon and catch the navy bus back to NCS

I feel like this is an advertisement for Guam....and I love it. Guam is a great place.

I’m American and I live in Seoul. I travel to Guam on occasion to enjoy the sun and get a feeling of home. It’s better than flying 12 hours to the mainland.

I enjoyed this video. My father was sent to Guam and later Japan during the American occupation of Oceania and Japan during the waning days of WWII and the occupation that followed, he finished his Army service as Eisenhower's photographer and as a combat photographer in the Korean War, then became a civilian nuclear health physicist. He worked for Argonne from 60-66, then transferred to the Navy, working for Admiral Rickover which was tough for him, being a former Staff Sergeant, but they clicked together and my Dad with his colleagues wrote the nuclear safety protocols for our nuclear surface and sub vessels. My Dad was at the commissioning of the Enterprise, Long Beach, and several Trident subs, before he asked to be transferred to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he helped revamp nuke safety protocols after Three Mile Island. Serendipity got me to Guam. I was working as a Controller for Harrah's Tahoe, and I and a bunch of other middle managers got laid off. It was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. My brother had months before passed away, and my parents, being Italian, said "Until you Marry, come back home to live with us, and think of your layoff as a new opportunity to change your career, especially since you like travel and the hospitality industry"... I had never been to Epcot center, so I went there, since I had some savings despite the layoff, and while at the Japan exhibit I imagined "I'd love to see Japan some day". Next morning, my parents called me and said I'd got a call from a want ad I had applied to, and the human resource people were eager for me to get to an interview but were not too happy to hear I was on vacation in Florida. Add to that, a former hotel owner in Bakersfield I had known called me and asked me if I was interested in working for them. I ended my vacation as planned and to my surprise, ended up, via Japan, in Guam, ten days later because Pacific Island Club, a nice resort there, wanted me to work for their resort as a team desk manager. They flew me to Guam, at their own expense, via Japan on NWA and offered me the job--but I had to say no. Once I was in Guam, I realized I would have been stranded there, with no further opportunity in my life--there was no economy other than tourism, and we who've come from the tourist industry know it does not pay well. Once I understood the office politics that all tourist locations have, I had to decline the invite to work there, because I know of company mergers and acquisitions, tourism jobs are frail. In Guam, I snorkeled in the Pacific Island Club's beautiful lagoon and so many yellow fish swam along side me "kissing" my arms and legs, it was a euphoric moment I could not describe, reminding me of the scene in the movie "Avatar" where Jake is kissed by some glowing falling fuzzies, or something like that. So Guam means so much to me, and the decisions I made in my life after to have a better career, a daughter about to graduate from college, and reminding me that though my father was not Johnny Carson, he had an incredible impact on my homeland, as anyone's son or daughter would wish of their parents.

I was stationed there in 67 and 68 with the Navy at the Communications station near Finegayan. Was not nearly as built up as now. Remember the B52s from Andersen A.F. base taking off for bombing missions and returning approx.12 hours later. The ones lucky enough to return.

Short answer why most isolated territory exists.....military bases

Shout out from Guam, thanks for talking about my home.

Spent six weeks there. Lovely island. Great people. Great Chamorro food. As a side note. It has the biggest Kmart I’ve ever seen with the best selection of spam, ever. I think that’s mostly for the Japanese tourists that arrive there by the bus load. Jeff’s pirates cove is a must stop.

I was stationed there from 2011 to 2014. Some of the best years I’ve ever had in the Navy. Hafa Adai!!!!!

I worked in Guam for 3 months with the local citizens. They are a great and friendly people. I enjoyed every minute that I was there.

My first Navy duty station was NAS Agana. I loved Guam so much, I extended my enlistment to go to Anderson AB. My tattoo of a gecko (done in Guam) is my reminder of how I loved being there. The culture, the people, and the island. I felt welcomed, and loved wherever I went, and the low stress mindset of the island is pure magic.

Guam will always have a special place in my heart. Being from Florida, having my first duty station in Minot North Dakota, I was ever so happy to transfer to Guam. I can't think of anything bad to say about that AWESOME island. I only left because they ( Air Force) deactivated the Bombwing sending all the G model B52's to the boneyard. I'm glad they put bomber back there. One day I will go back to visit that AWESOME Paradise Island. Hafa-a_day.

i remember when those missile threats were happening. me and my friends would spend our lunch period at school just waiting to see one coming down from the sky. we were kinda just like “if we’re gonna die, i wanna see that missile first”.

Chamorro Power! My stepfather is a Guamanian who survived Japanese occupation as a schoolboy, fought in the Korean War, and moved to Hawaii and then the mainland US and he still speaks the native language ☝️

I learned about Guam 7 years ago. I didn't know it existed either. However I moved into my current house and my neighbors are from Guam. They've taught me a lot about the island and the culture.

I’m from Guam. If you want to travel there for vacation, you will love the experience. The beach is so beautiful and clean. The food is delicious. Guam❤️

Ah Guam. I never even knew this place existed until my plane landed there because a volcano off the south of Japan erupted and diverted our flight. That was a weird experience. Weather was shit, couldn't even leave the plane but it was interesting to just look out the window and see what was going on. Closest I've been to an American territory. Kind of Ironic that I was actually going from New Zealand to Japan and I ended up in Guam for a bit. I should note that I was flying Air New Zealand, an airline that hadn't landed in Guam for YEARS so they would have most likely had to get clearance with the FAA before landing and that's probably why we weren't even allowed off the plane for our stopover.

"The effects were partially mitigated by an increase of visitors from South Korea who were less worried about missile threats since it's a reality they live with every day back home" As South Korean, can confirm. I don't care if north korea has missiles anymore, it just pops up on the news some day and we say ayy, Jong Un is doing threats again, like for the 54th time in my life, so well, the usual.

"whose.....................................missile's bigger"

I'd love to visit it. A friend of mine was hired to be a golf course lawn management mechanic . Full paid family move included and 150k per year. They only lasted 2 years over there and got homesick , but they still vacation in Guan every two years . They said it beautiful

I'm down to give Guam statehood, they're part of us and they deserve more than being just a territory

My whole family and I are born and raised on Guam. Still living here and honestly, I couldn't imagine any other place I can call home. Sen guaiya hao Guahån.🇬🇺❤

BORN AND RAISED ON GUAM... i miss it😓😓

I was in Army basic training with a guy who is in Guam National Guard. I didn’t even know that they had a National Guard. But it makes sense now after watching this video.

This was the smoothest transition to a commercial that i've ever seen

I was stationed on Guam for 8 years. It was fun.

A lot of Americans heard of Guam before 2017... jeeez.

Spent three years on Guam. Loved its laid back lifestyle, terrain and beauty. The Chamorro BBQ to include kelaguen, finadene, red rice and pancit to be eaten around the bbq is the best. Hafa Adai people of Guam!

As a Chamorro, I love Guam. It was my home for the first 12 years of my life. But I would never want to live on the island. People see the beauty of the beaches, land and culture. But they don’t realize how suffocating it is to be on an island so small that you can literally take a tour of EVERYTHING in three hours or less lol. There’s a reason why the military recruitment is so high...it’s because for most native Chamorros, that is their ticket off the island and to learn a valuable life skill in the process instead of living off the land (which is totally possible and I have family that do that). Love my people and my culture. Love my island. But I’m happy living in the mainland where there are more opportunities to make a living. Also...I can vote here. And Texas has a HUGE Pacific Islander community. Love it here as well. 🇺🇸🇬🇺

"So this isn't Tahiti?" "HAVE SOME DAMN FAITH, ARTHUR"

As one who has been to Guam several times while deployed in the Pacific, by all appearances it is the United States. Considering what the territory has contributed to the defense of this country, it should be granted statehood or at least the right to vote in presidential elections.

This is interesting to see, Guam appears to be the US equivalent to Gibraltar!

As a Navy Vet. Have been there 3 times. Great place to visit

We in Puerto Rico also have the same status as guam. The jones act also affects us. Because of that i feel much closer to guam than i do with the mainland.

“ last year when there playing who’s missile was bigger”. lol 😂

I was stationed on Guam for 15 months in '78 and '79 on the USCGC Basswood. I was lucky enough to travel to a lot of the islands in the area as well as two trips to the Philippines. The locals were very friendly to us "tourists".

North Korea: *threatens to nuke Guam* Japan: "Aight imma head out." South Korea: "First time?"

Guam: Exists Wendover production: But why?

Take a shot every time he says "Guam is the United States"

I was stationed on Guam in the navy from 88-90 and it was truly a magical place. Can’t wait to go back!

I lived on Guam in the early 60s as a navy brat.best time I ever had..been all over the island.best memories of my childhood

My girlfriend is from Guam. Its a beautiful island. Beautiful people. Amazing food!

Stationed there 1966-67 as a Navy Nurse caring for Vietnam injured military. “Worked hard” but able to decompress with all the beauty around. Went back with daughter (who lived in Japan) in 2006. A much different island in many ways.

Was stationed there 1986-1989. It looked nothing like what it was does now. I hardly recognize any landmarks when I view it on Google Maps. It still holds a special place in my heart. Two of my kids were born there, so I always refer to them as my resident "Guamanians." 🙂 I would love to go back to visit there again.

I moved to Guam in December, 1967 at age 12. I lived there until about April, 1970 when I moved back to the mainland at age 14. I have some very good memories of the island, living both off base and on base. I also had some not so nice memories, but if you were to pick an age to live on a tropical island, you couldn't do better than I did. When I moved to Guam, it was about 5 years after Typhoon Karen. Many people were living in Quonset huts. One of my neighbors off base was Col. Munoz, of the Guam Army, which resisted the Japanese invaders. There was still a Japanese soldier hiding out when I lived there. In 9th grade I took an Exploring Guam class. Unfortunately, the year prior, a student was murdered for the $7 in his wallet on the way to Talofofo Falls and all field trips were cancelled. The teacher was a great teacher, though, and I learned a lot from him. I have many times wondered if the student was murdered by the Japanese soldier that was hiding out nearby. From the videos, it looks like Guam has changed a lot. When I lived on the island, I was told that it was like Hawaii 20 years prior. I finished the Boy Scouts on Guam, played on the Navy All Star baseball team and played my last game of organized baseball against some very friendly and polite Japanese kids who played a heck of a game. I danced with a girl my first time on Guam. That girl was the Captain's daughter. When I came home to the states, our country had changed and I felt out of place. All of the cars were moving so fast, and so were the girls. I left my innocence on the island. It would be nice to go and get it back one day.

"If you don't cast your vote, you're not allowed to complain." Guam, the Northern Marian Islands, Midway, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico: "Um... we _don't get_ a vote."

One snack on Guam popular in Spam, It was introduced to the island during WW2 by the military

Just moved back to the states after living in Guam for 6 years. It was the absolute best time of my life so far. We most Definitely plan on moving back in a couple of years.

0:15 "Where would you guess you are. Maybe Florida..." Not with hills like that you ain't!

"When they played who has the bigger missile, all that were coming is the news media." -what she said.

Thank you for showing My amazing Island! Love from 🇬🇺 🇬🇺

I live here and I love it. Though I do miss somethings from mainland but it's my little paradise I found. Great food. Great avacado, great hiking, off roading year round warm water. Clear water all the time. Great fishing and diving.

Take a shot every time he says "Guam is the US"

4:34 Lol the South Koreans like. Yah we hear threat from that crazy guy every other week. He live in out back yard totally annoying.

I’ve always wanted to visit Guam. To try the food and see the natural beauty! It reminds me of my home here in Florida. Looks like the Keys to me, and the conch republic is my happy place. 🏝🐚

My Father was a Navy signalman stationed on Guam 1944/45 during WW2

I love Guam. I lived there for 6 months and want to go back so badly.

Damn Guam. You're cool. Nice to learn about you.

I lived on Anderson Air Force Base, Guam when I was a kid. We had a open air movie theater that you watched movies under an open sky. When it rained the umbrellas came out. Used to go to Tarague Beach ...sugar-white sands and cool seashells. Coconut crabs used to come out at night and bust open coconuts. Slept on the beach. There used to be a Russian Trawler outside the territorial limit listening to phone calls on base. Played football and baseball there. Closest thing to paradise that I've experienced. Good memories. Hafa Adai!

"Most people never heard of Guam..." Saipan: "Ahmm... Hello..what i am to you?"

Sout Korean tourist: Missile threats? Sounds like home!

My Stepdad is Chamorro, and most of his family still lives in Guam. Five years ago we went to live there for a few months when papa was in the hospital. I have never felt so welcomed by people I have never met in my life. I will never forget their friendliness and hospitality. I won't soon forget the many great memories I made there, with people whom I am happy to call my family. If you ever get the chance to visit, you should! I hope I can visit them again soon!

My cousin was stationed there when I was a kid. He got stationed in Alaska when I was probably 9 and has been there ever since. His family loved Guam, and I'd love to visit it someday. They love Alaska too. So that's the only reason I know about Guam, bc my cousin was stationed there

I’m from Guam. Thoroughly enjoyed this video! Made me miss home for sure :(

"2018 marks the third best March in Guam’s tourism history; " Guam Visitor Bureau. Busier than March 2016 as well. Looks like they've managed to survive the threats.

My father was stationed in Guam. He was in the Marines. He really liked it there.

I have been to Guam several times in the early 80’s as a crew member on C-141 Starlifters from Norton AFB. Love the place.

Now Guam is now home of the two Carrier strike group the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN- 71 Nimitz Class known as Big Stick and the USS NIMITZ CVN- 68 . While USS RONALD REAGAN CVN - 76 Nimitz is a Japan Carrier Strike group .

I had the privilege of being stationed in Guam for 8 years (US Navy) - 3 years in the 80's and 5 in the 90's. My youngest daughter was born there, so she is technically "Guamanian", something she is very proud of. We have many friends and extended family there. If you have the opportunity to go to Guam, GO! I love the island and the village fiestas are unequaled anywhere else! Chicken kelaguen, red rice, the best ribs, and finedine rule! Hafa Adai!

My mom is from Guam and I visited a lot of her side of the family back in 2017. It was the best month of my life (so far) .

Guam and Saipan is one of the places where it's pretty fun to live! Growing up there was like a good dream, but due to recent events, I don't think people would be able to visit.

Been there on family visits and used to be the place where AirFrance Concorde did the control flight and landings ! Quite a place !

As a person born and raised on this beautiful island, I would like to thank you for this video. I think it was very well made and shared many of the amazing attributes that make Guam the special place it is. I have shared it on my Facebook and wish you continued success.

Had the pleasure of living on Guam for two years. I miss it, and wouldn’t mind retiring there🙏🏻 Great people, delicious food, and plenty of hiking, snorkeling, and diving to go around.

I learned so much from this video, thank you!

And some people still wonder why I have Santos as my last name even though I’m not from Spain

160 000 people! Isn't the island gonna capsize? I'm asking for my congressman.

I missed Guam USA, I was stationed at Andersen AFB for 6 yrs with VRC 30 and HC-5. Hafa Adai.

Nice. My dad was stationed on the air force base from 2003 -2005 (just before they increased the assignment time). Still don't see how it took an hour to get from the air base to the navy base. Side note, anyone here remember Gameworks?

My family is from Guam. I’m a good chunk Chamorro. My uncle Carl Gutierrez was governor and is running again in 2018. My uncle mark Dell’Isola’s painting is in this video at 3:53 in the background and throughout the video another time at 7:41. He’s a world renowned artist. My family is practically guam royalty lol. Love the island the culture. I’m really quite proud of my heritage and to be part Chamorro. My grandma was interned in a camp during the Japanese occupation. if you get a chance you should really visit. There is no other place like it.