Contemporary CHamoru migration is complicated by the heavy US militarization of the islands, prompting many CHamoru families to enlist and move to the continental United States. The chapter author’s family is also part of a network of similar CHamorus that came to San Diego, California, in the 1970s as young families enlisting in the US Navy. Beginning in the 1950s, this pattern of migration led to CHamorus being the most widely dispersed Pacific Islander group living in the US. Following World War II, San Diego became an important location for early migrations of CHamorus employed as US military laborers.

This module is about CHamoru history being deeply tied to mobility and shaped by colonial powers staking their claims to the islands.