ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam. -- The Child Development Center (CDC) hosted a much-anticipated reopening ceremony at their newly repaired building on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on May 10, 2023.

The center was forced to close its location over 11 months ago due to major structural and material damages caused by Typhoon Mawar, a super typhoon that plowed through the island last May. Between the closure and the reopening, the center had been operating in split locations.

“The biggest setback for reopening was the challenge of operating the CDC while preparing for the move and necessary inspections,” said Ana Kosko, CDC director. “Acquiring specific furniture and equipment which is not available in Guam, that had to be delivered through freight forwarders, also contributed to the delay.”

The prolonged closure impacted families who relied on the center for safe, convenient, and accredited childcare, and were struggling with their own personal recoveries from the typhoon.

“My husband and I are both active duty, so without the CDC being open following Typhoon Mawar, we would take the children with us to work and deconflict our meetings as much as possible,” said Senior Master Sgt. Stephany Davis, superintendent, C2 Operations, 36th Wing Command Post.

Davis and her husband, both senior non-commissioned officers, were challenged with balancing their family’s situation, while supporting their Airmen through post-typhoon struggles and simultaneously helping the installation recover from storm damage, Davis explained.

The center’s reopening brings Davis’s family, along with hundreds of other families enrolled at the CDC, the relief, comfort, and support necessary to fulfill the mission. 

“Sharing space with DoDEA was a saving grace in the interim, but the CDC kids now have their own playgrounds, age-appropriate rooms, and the space for learning and exploration again.” said Davis.

The center not only relishes in returning to one central location for their dedicated employees and beloved families, but also in the enhancements and major improvements of their new facility that have made the wait worthwhile.

Some improvements include new flooring, a new alarm system, and new furniture and equipment.

“Our CDC team consists of 67 dedicated civilian employees, and being together in one location will make it feel like we are back to how it should be,” said Kosko.

Andersen Air Force Base