Guam Resident Sentenced for Illegally Flying Drone Over Marine Corps Camp Blaz

Drone Operator Receives Sentence for Airspace Violation

Hagåtña, Guam – A Guam resident, Billy Cao Cruz, 54, has been sentenced to two months of home confinement and two years of supervised release for violating national defense airspace by repeatedly flying a personal drone over Marine Corps Camp Blaz. The sentencing was handed down on September 11, 2025, by the U.S. District Court of Guam. In addition to home confinement and supervised release, Cruz was ordered to pay a $25 fine and surrendered the drone used, a DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro, along with other video equipment.

Details of the Offense

Cruz, known for his YouTube channel 'Planet Guam,' uploaded a video on February 1, 2025, depicting sensitive footage of a military installation in Guam. This video accumulated nearly 12,000 views before federal authorities intervened and it was subsequently removed. FBI agents questioned Cruz on April 16, 2025, at his residence. During the interview, Cruz admitted to operating the drone, stating he used a specific model because he believed it had 'fewer restrictions' and did not require notification to nearby airports. He was previously warned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2021 about flying drones near military installations, including Andersen Air Force Base.

National Security Concerns and Airspace Restrictions

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands highlighted the serious national security implications of such actions. U.S. Attorney Shawn Anderson emphasized that 'Nearly all of the airspace over Guam is subject to flight restrictions by aircraft operators.' These restrictions are crucial for ensuring the safe operation of commercial, military, and private aircraft, and for protecting national security and military personnel. Marine Corps Camp Blaz, officially opened in January 2022, holds strategic importance for U.S. defense in the Indo-Pacific region.

Legal Framework and Public Warnings

Cruz pleaded guilty to violating national defense airspace under 49 U.S.C. §§ 46307 and 40103. Officials have consistently reminded the public that drone activity over Guam Department of Defense (DoD) property is strictly prohibited. While general drone use is permitted in Guam, specific laws prohibit flying over sensitive areas, including government or military facilities. This case serves as a cautionary tale for drone operators to be aware of and adhere to flight restrictions, especially around critical national defense installations.