A monumental stride in defense and regional readiness was achieved with the historic activation of the Guam National Guard’s 293rd Combat Communications Squadron. This pioneering unit, the first of its kind, signals a transformative era for the island’s capabilities, particularly in rapid response and vital infrastructure protection, through unprecedented collaboration with the active-duty 644th Combat Communications Squadron.
At the helm of this groundbreaking squadron is Major Audreya Taitano, who formally assumed command on August 2nd. Her leadership marks a significant milestone, guiding the 293rd as it embarks on a crucial mission to fortify communication, cybersecurity, and recovery efforts across Guam, establishing a robust framework for both contingency operations and humanitarian assistance.
The strategic partnership between the newly formed 293rd and the established 644th Combat Communications Squadron defines a dual operational focus. While the 644th primarily addresses federal imperatives, the 293rd is uniquely poised to prioritize local missions, ensuring that Guam’s specific needs for disaster relief and community support are met with unparalleled agility and dedicated resources.
This activation is set to profoundly enhance the island’s capacity for swift and effective responses, making essential equipment and expertise readily available on the ground. Major Taitano highlighted the squadron’s pivotal role in overcoming past logistical challenges, citing how their presence would have significantly aided command and control during critical events like Typhoon Mawar, thereby reducing reliance on external units.
The journey to full operational capability commenced in October 2023, with the squadron given a two-year window to achieve initial operating status. This intensive period involves rigorous training and strategic recruitment of new members, ensuring that the unit is comprised of highly skilled and prepared personnel ready to meet diverse operational demands.
Financially, the stand-up of the 293rd represents a substantial investment in Guam’s security infrastructure. Close to $1 million was expended in fiscal year 2025 to initiate operations and personnel appropriations, with projected expenditures set to increase to approximately $4.5 million in fiscal year 2026 as the squadron acquires further equipment and expands its training initiatives.
The core mission of the 293rd Combat Communications Squadron is unequivocal: to furnish Airmen who are “ready, fit, trained, and motivated to execute rapidly deployable communications to support the government of Guam.” This commitment underpins their role as a vital local asset, safeguarding the island’s interests and its population.
In her inspiring address, Major Taitano urged her squadron to embody the spirit of a “gåmson warrior,” emphasizing dedication to service, continuous training, and achieving victory in their endeavors. Her message underscored the profound honor and responsibility of the 293rd to serve both their island community and the nation, reinforcing their identity as the Guam National Guard’s newest and most dynamic squadron.
