Fonte Plateau Unit

Fonte Plateau Unit, high above Assan Beach, is the site of the final battle in Phase 1 of the Battle of Guam. While American forces secured the beachheads at Assan and Hågat by July 24, 1944, to secure and link the two beachheads, they needed to capture the well-fortified hills and mountains overlooking the water. This task was accomplished on July 29, 1944, when the 9th Marines captured Fonte Plateau.

On August 15, 1944, just five days after Guam was officially declared secure, Admiral Chester Nimitz established the forward headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Fonte Plateau. He directed the rest of the war in the Pacific from there.

Today, the main feature at the Fonte Plateau Unit is the Imperial Japanese Army's communications center.

Things to Do & See

World War II Remains

At the rear of the plateau is a U-shaped concrete bunker with two concrete arch entrances. It is sometimes referred to as a command post, but it actually served as the Imperial Japanese Army's communications center for the island before being overrun on July 28, 1944.

While heavy American bombardment before and during the battle damaged many of the Japanese fortifications, their communications equipment suffered almost no damage because it was located in caves and bunkers. This allowed Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina, commander of the Japanese forces on Guam, to stay in communication with his troops even as they lost ground.

After the last major Japanese counterattack on the morning of July 26, 1944, Takashina withdrew to the communications center before ordering a general retreat the following day.

The communication center is only open to the public on special occasions. Check with the Visitor Center to see if a tour is scheduled.

Hours

The Fonte Plateau Unit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parking

Visitors to the Fonte Plateau Unit can park in the lot next to the road.

Directions

From airport, take Rte 10A to Marine Drive (Rte 1). Turn left and drive approximately 5 miles. Turn left on Rte 6, and drive approximately 1.5 miles. The Fonte Plateau Unit is located on the right as you round the curve.