Guam businesses look forward to carrier visit

HAGATNA, Guam — Guam businesses are looking forward to an economic boost when the USS George Washington aircraft carrier visits the island.

The carrier and its 5,500-person crew were scheduled to dock Wednesday, The Pacific Daily News reported.

The Washington, which is assigned to Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, will stop in the U.S. territory after participating in Valiant Shield military exercises held near Guam waters in mid-September.

Past Valiant Shield exercises have always positively affected the economy of the U.S. territory, said David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce.

Visiting military personnel boost business by going to local restaurants, hotels and shops, he said.

The visit is expected to bring a spike in economic activity of about $1 million a day.

Residents can help the service members feel welcome, local business leaders said.

“This can be as simple as extending a warm ‘hafa adai’ greeting, a friendly smile and courtesy to our tourists. And … in the case of our visiting military, thanking them for their service,” Leddy said.

The island’s military community also has been preparing for the visit. This week the Naval Base Guam Facebook page advised residents to do their shopping on base before the ships arrive.

\