by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Massive preparations are being made on Guam for the arrival of American citizens who are being flown to the territory from Japan. KUAM News has learned that an undisclosed number of sailors are expected to be coming to Guam in the coming days. We understand that this is not an evacuation, but efforts are underway to make room on an airbase in Japan for passenger planes to assist with voluntary evacuations of family members and dependents of U.S. forces in that country.

Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association President Mary Torre tells KUAM News that eleven hotels are contracted with the military and have been contacted to reserve rooms for those who are coming to Guam. The Guam USO is also on standby, as director Leigh Graham says they've already made all advance preparations for any support that service members, State Department evacuees and allied forces may need.

In the meantime, Andersen Air Force Base confirms that a Global Hawk, based on Guam, is flying over affected areas from the disaster. The unmanned aircraft is providing information that they say is being shared with senior decision makers. The AAFB Public Affairs Office was unable to answer our questions about possible preparations being made on the base for the sailors' arrival.

It's unclear at this point how many will be coming and if their dependents will be brought to Guam as well. We understand that this operation is not an evacuation.