U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Scott Gray, head of the Navy’s installation command, has ordered a global review of housing for unaccompanied service members after the Secretary of the Navy expressed deep concern over the condition of a barracks in Guam.
According to Project on Government Oversight (POGO), Phelan visited the Palau Hall barracks housing sailors and marines on May 1–2 and was “shocked and dismayed” by what he saw: exposed wiring, corroded pipes, and mold covered with paint.
Following his visit, he ordered the transfer of 73 servicemen to new housing at Camp Blaz. Another 77 airmen are being relocated before a $53 million renovation begins at Palau Hall later this year.
Earlier this week, Phelan again expressed his disappointment over the barracks’ condition in a post on X: “Having a well-manicured golf course next to dilapidated barracks where Sailors and Marines live is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated on my watch.”
Having a well-manicured golf course next to dilapidated barracks with Sailors and Marines living in it is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated on my watch. https://t.co/f34jiZ3Nod
— Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan (@SECNAV) May 30, 2025
In a May 5 email, Gray described the condition of the Guam barracks as “clearly neglected” and “unacceptable.”
His inspection orders reportedly covered more than 100,000 Navy barracks units. Facilities are being rated red, yellow, or green— with red indicating housing that requires immediate evacuation, and yellow marking units prioritized for upgrades.
While Palau Hall is Air Force-owned, Gray made clear that all housing with sailors must meet standards, regardless of ownership. “If you would not want a sailor’s mother visiting them there, fix it,” he wrote.
Poor barracks conditions have been a known problem across the military. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report documented issues like mold, pests, and sewage in service member housing. Despite ongoing funding, maintenance backlogs remain high.
Although military branches have stated they remain committed to prioritizing and funding barracks repairs and construction, Military.com reported Wednesday that the Pentagon plans to redirect $1 billion—originally intended for Army barracks maintenance and renovation—to support its mission along the southern border.
