Moylan Applauds Western Paacific Maritime Academy for Earning Federal Center of Excellence Designation

(Hagåtña, Guam) - Congressman James Moylan congratulated the Western Pacific Maritime Academy following its designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) as a 2026 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.

Western Pacific Maritime Academy, with training locations in Barrigada Guam, and Saipan, is one of just 16 institutions newly selected nationwide for the federal designation.

The Centers of Excellence program recognizes qualified institutions that have demonstrated success in training, graduating, and placing students into the maritime workforce. Designated centers support the nation's maritime industry by preparing skilled workers for careers both afloat and ashore.

"Congratulations to Western Pacific Maritime Academy on earning this well-deserved federal
recognition," said Congressman Moylan."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. Through the FY2026 NDAA, we secured a review of Guam's ship repair capabilities, including opportunities to expand Navy maintenance activity, strengthen our maritime workforce, and support local businesses. Western Pacific Maritime Academy's designation as a Center of Excellence builds on that effort and strengthens Guam's ability to prepare our own people for the maritime opportunities ahead."

The designation places Western Pacific Maritime Academy among a national network of institutions
supporting U.S. maritime workforce development, supply chain capacity, and national defense priorities. The designation is valid for five years.

"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," Congressman Moylan continued."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."

With the 16 institutions newly designated for 2026, MARAD now recognizes 48 Centers of Excellence
across 87 training locations in 28 states and U.S. territories. MARAD estimates the new designations will increase annual training capacity by approximately 20,000, bringing total capacity to roughly 58,000 mariners, apprentices, and students each year.

*Attached is the relevant language on Guam ship repair capabilities and maritime workforce
development included in the Joint Explanatory Statement (JES) released alongside the FY2026 NDAA.

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Full press release with attachment can be accessed here.