The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has designated the Western Pacific Maritime Academy as a 2026 Center for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.
The announcement was made by Guam Delegate James Moylan who congratulated the Academy for the "well-deserved recognition."
“Guam’s strategic importance comes with an opportunity to create lasting economic benefits for our people. That means building the skilled workforce needed to support our growing maritime industry and giving our people pathways to good careers here at home," Moylan said.
Moylan said the academy's designation as a Center for Excellence supports provisions in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that call for a review of Guam's ship repair capabilities, including opportunities to expand Navy maintenance work, grow the maritime workforce and create opportunities for local businesses.
Western Pacific Maritime Academy operates training locations on Guam and Saipan. It is one of 16 institutions nationwide to receive the designation for 2026. According to Moylan, the designation places the academy among a network of institutions supporting U.S. maritime workforce development, supply chain capacity and national defense priorities.
“As Guam continues to see significant federal investment and increased maritime activity, we need to ensure our people are prepared to take advantage of the jobs and opportunities that come with it,” Moylan said. “Having a federally recognized Center of Excellence right here on Guam strengthens our ability to train that workforce at home and positions our island to play an even greater role in America’s maritime future. I will continue fighting to expand workforce opportunities on Guam and ensure our people are positioned to benefit from this unprecedented growth.”
The designation is valid for five years.