Exchanges in Guam and Saipan suffered damage and operated limited hours after Typhoon Sinlaku struck the Northern Mariana Islands.
Sinlaku made landfall in the islands April 14 as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 150 mph and recorded gusts reaching 185 mph. Multiple media outlets called it 2026’s strongest storm to date. Saipan had widespread power blackouts and suffered extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. More than 20 inches of rain fell in Saipan.
Reported damage at the Andersen Air Force Base main Exchange on Guam included the destruction of a canopy cover and a recently installed solar panel light in Outdoor Living; ceiling leaks and wet carpet in softlines; and ceiling leaks in the shopping-cart area of the main entrance.
In the food court, two ceiling leaks were found in a walk-in freezer, which had frozen water on the floor. The storm caused major water leaks and fallen ceiling tiles in the food court storage room.
At the Barrigada National Guard Express on Guam, flooding from an air conditioning duct led to water damage to products below. The stockroom floor was covered with water, causing damage to all items on the floor. The Northwest Field Express was closed with no power or water, and damage hadn’t been assessed yet.
By Friday morning Dallas time, the Saipan team was able to access the Saipan Troop Store, which is on an island about 500 miles northeast of Guam. The store was flooded with about three inches of water. The facility is not yet operational, but the team has been focusing on removing water from the facility and ensuring that it has air circulation daily until it returns to normal operation. The store has no power but a generator is en route that will enable the team to conduct a more thorough assessment of the facility, check network capabilities and operate drying fans.
“We have an exceptionally resilient team in Guam and Saipan who remain focused on the mission and recovery,” said Pacific Region Senior Vice President Amanda Hartfield, “even as they manage recovery efforts at their own homes following Typhoon Sinlaku.”
No damage was reported to the Military Clothing Store, Class Six or Exchange restaurants on Guam.
Most Exchange facilities at Andersen AFB resumed normal hours on Friday. the Class Six reopening was on hold because the air conditioning was still out, although power had returned. Reopening of the food court was pending assessment by public health officials.
All facilities except for the NWF Express, Bun-D restaurant, Infusion Coffee & Tea and a spa resumed normal hours by Saturday.
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