Guam Designated 'Strategic Port'

Port of Guam designation as a 'Strategic Port' brings brings access to additional funding for federal security & port infrastructure projects

The designation of 'Strategic Port brings with it many challenges not only for the US Coast Guard, but also for all those with a stake in port operations. For this reason each strategic port is mandated to form a Port Readiness Committee (PRC) which brings together representatives of the 10 federal agencies and local port stakeholders.

The PRC was established formally this past January when stakeholders met for the first time to begin dialogue on strategic concerns associated with facilitate both defense and commercial supplies through the same port. The committee is chaired by the captain of the port and includes more than 40 local, federal, and Department of Defense agencies.

Due to the designation, the Port of Guam will have access to additional funding for federal security and port infrastructure projects. Cargo volumes will also increase during periods of military deployment. Perhaps most valuable will be the interaction between the Coast Guard, the Port of Guam, DOD and other partners.

The first meeting of the port readiness committee in Guam involved representatives from the Coast Guard, DOD, Government of Guam, and multiple federal agencies and port stakeholders. During the daylong meeting, committee members discussed the effects of the new designation to include renovations to the port, types of outload activities, maritime security response capabilities, tactics, and other government agency support.

The list of 'Strategic Ports' includes 16 designated seaports that are of critical value to the nation & the Port of Guam is the latest additon.

To meet the requirement of the new designation Coast Guard Sector Guam is taking necessary steps with federal, state and local partners to usher in a new era of safety and security for the Port of Guam.