by Mindy Aguon

Guam - U.S. Forces Japan is clarifying statements made to KUAM last week about military dependents who are voluntarily departing from Japan. Sergeant Major Stephen Valley said dependents from Yokota Air Force Base in Japan began leaving the base this weekend, some returning to the U.S. Mainland.

He said the dependents will not be coming to Guam.

According to the Navy's website, the Navy will provide entitlements and allowances to those eligible for their transfer to an approved safe haven, which the State Department has designated as anywhere in the continental United States.

KUAM News is aware though of some military dependents who have flown to Guam.

Guam USO Director Leigh Leilani Graham says they stand ready to help, telling KUAM News, "We had some very young dependents who were in on Friday. We were helping to get them coordinated to send them to their family in Palau. We had about 25 folks who have been assisted through the Coast Guard.

"We all know there are also quite a few Navy members now in Tumon. We don't know the numbers of those who are coming but we just stand ready and prepared to support our Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and our Guam National Guard to give them any help that we can provide."