11,000 military personnel to participate in Valiant Shield

From Sept. 14-25, some 11,000 personnel from U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps will participate in exercise Valiant Shield on Guam and through the Mariana Island Range Complex.

According to an Andersen Air Force Base release, the Valiant Shield includes anti-submarine and air-defense exercises, amphibious operations, and other elements of complex warfighting.

A previous release stated military members will be staying at local hotels during the exercise. The most recent Andersen release states, "...every aspect of Valiant Shield 2020 has been analyzed to ensure the appropriate mitigation measures are taken against COVID-19. The planning focused on protecting service members and their families; preventing the spread of the virus to U.S. forces, local residents, allies, or partners; and ensuring warfighting readiness in order to accomplish assigned missions."

Participants in the eighth year of Valiant Shield include USS Ronald Reagan, USS America, USS New Orleans, USS Germantown and multiple surface ships -- approximately 100 aircraft.