Asan, Guam

War in the Pacific National Historical Park, Asan, Guam

Asan derives its name from the Chamorro word hassan meaning scarce or rare.

One meaning of the word ma’ina refers to an infant who, between the time of birth and baptism, is taken by the mother to Mass before sunrise. This old ritual was considered analogous to and in imitation of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

On July 21, 1944, the Americans landed in Asan to recapture the island from occupying Japanese forces during the Battle of Guam. The 3rd Marine Division landed in Asan at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 Landing Vehicle Trackeds, but by 09:00 tanks were ashore at both beaches. United States Marines fought Japanese forces fortified in the hills above the shore after establishing a beach head. During the following week, Americans pursued retreating Japanese forces northward and eventually won the battle.

From April to November 1975 the former Camp Asan was used as a refugee camp for South Vietnamese refugees during Operation New Life.[2]

On August 6, 1997, Korean Air Flight 801 crashed on Nimitz Hill in Asan. A memorial was later constructed.[3][4]

The U.S. Census Bureau counts the following census-designated places in Asan: Asan,[5] Maina,[6] and Nimitz Hill Annex.[7]

Guam Public School System serves the island.

Southern High School in Santa Rita serves the village.[8]

Every year the island's largest Easter egg hunt is at the War in the Pacific National Park with over 10,000 eggs. The village also hosts the yearly International Kite Flying Competitions with people from South Korea, Japan, China, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands competing for the championship.

• Villages of Guam