By the Maritime Industrial Base Program
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Sept. 24, 2025 — The US Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program was recognized Sept. 19 by the Macomb Intermediate School District for its role in strengthening local communities through workforce development and advanced manufacturing training.
Erica Holloway Logan, Workforce Development Director for the MIB Program, accepted the district’s annual community leadership award on behalf of the Navy before an audience of 1,700 students, parents, educators, and community leaders.
"This recognition belongs to everyone who believes in the power of partnership," Logan said during her acceptance remarks. "You are the reason we selected Macomb County. Awesome educators committed to exposing students to meaningful maritime career pathways.”
The award highlights the Navy’s Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative, which funds accelerated, tuition-free training programs in welding and CNC machining at Macomb Community College. The initiative not only equips residents with in-demand technical skills but also fills a critical need for the Navy’s shipbuilding supply chain. Students enrolled in the 600-hour program receive hands-on training that leads to industry-recognized certifications, preparing them for immediate employment in advanced manufacturing. The first cohort launched with 24 students and graduates are now entering Michigan’s manufacturing workforce with skills directly tied to national defense requirements
Michael DeVault, Superintendent of Macomb Intermediate School District, presented the award, reading from a plaque that praised the Navy's "leadership, visionary partnership, and unwavering commitment in strengthening America's industrial base through the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing initiative." The plaque presented to the Navy further commended the program’s dual impact creating quality career opportunities for residents while providing the skilled workforce necessary to build and maintain the Navy’s submarine and surface ships.
Macomb County is home to more than 175 companies supporting the Navy’s nuclear programs, making the region a vital part of America’s shipbuilding supply chain. The MIB Program’s investment of more than $50 million across Michigan is helping expand training capacity, fund instructors and equipment, and connect residents to long-term career opportunities
"In order to address the workforce demand, intentional pipelines must be created in K-12," Logan explained. "These aren't just jobs, they're careers that directly support the submarines and surface ships that protect our nation. Every student we engage is better informed about the opportunities available building ships and submarines."
The partnership exemplifies the mutual benefit driving the MIB Program's approach. While the Navy gains access to a pipeline of skilled workers essential for shipbuilding and maintenance, Macomb County residents gain access to well-paying careers in advanced manufacturing without the burden of tuition costs.
"We're seeing tremendous enthusiasm from students who understand they're not just learning a trade – they're joining a mission," Logan said. "These graduates will walk into jobs knowing their work directly supports the sailors who defend our freedom."
The plaque presentation emphasized this dual impact, noting that the collaboration "not only creates high-quality career opportunities, but also plays a vital role in augmenting our national defense."
Educators are critical to the MIB’s mission. Their dedication to exposing students to multiple career paths gives students the tools and confidence to turn dreams into reality. Applications for future training cohorts are available through Macomb Community College, continuing the pipeline that connects local talent to meaningful careers in maritime manufacturing. The recognition, Logan noted, reflects the broader mission of the MIB Program: to strengthen America’s industrial base by aligning educational pathways with national security needs.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2025 10:04 |
| Story ID: | 549268 |
| Location: | CLINTON, TOWNSHIP OF, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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