TUMON, Guam — Port officials, government representatives, and maritime industry leaders
from across the Pacific gathered at the Hyatt Regency Guam Aug. 3-6 for the Association of
Pacific Ports’ 112th Annual Conference to advance regional cooperation and address shared
infrastructure, supply-chain and maritime challenges.
Held under the theme “Inafa’maolek: Strengthening Our Shared Pacific,” the conference focused
on infrastructure resilience, technology, economic opportunity and the partnerships required to
keep Pacific communities connected. Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, commander, Joint Region Marianas, framed those issues around the Pacific’s geography and the region’s dependence on maritime transportation during his keynote
address.
“It’s a big Pacific, and there are no highways,” Mietus said. “The way to get across it is dependent upon logistics and ports.” Mietus discussed Guam’s role as a regional logistics hub and the importance of ports and airfields across the Marianas and broader Pacific. He also emphasized that reliable access to these facilities provides the flexibility needed to move people, equipment and supplies during routine operations, natural disasters and periods of crisis. His remarks followed opening comments from Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, and Sen. Jesse Lujan, who highlighted the connections among maritime infrastructure, economic opportunity and community resilience. Leon Guerrero described the Port Authority of Guam as an essential lifeline that brings food, medicine, construction materials and other necessities to the island. She also emphasized inafa’maolek, the CHamoru value of cooperation and mutual support, as a model for strengthening partnerships among Pacific communities.
Tenorio discussed Guam’s potential to expand its role as a logistics hub while using infrastructure investment to support local businesses, workforce development and quality of life. Lujan emphasized that modern ports must be smart, secure and sustainable, with resilient supply chains and infrastructure capable of supporting Guam and neighboring islands. Mietus highlighted coordination among Joint Region Marianas, the government of Guam, the
Port Authority of Guam and federal partners to strengthen Apra Harbor.
Those efforts include improving port equipment and infrastructure, repairing Glass Breakwater and increasing the
harbor’s capacity to support military and commercial requirements. He also encouraged industry representatives to approach future projects as reliable partners by offering creative, practical, and cost-conscious solutions. Mietus described constructing new infrastructure as only the first step, emphasizing that long-term success requires sustaining and operating those investments effectively. “I genuinely believe we can partner together and make things happen as long as we are willing to listen and collaborate,” Mietus said.
The Association of Pacific Ports promotes collaboration, information sharing and professional
development among ports and maritime organizations throughout the Pacific.
JRM pursues Quality of Life initiatives on behalf of service members and their families; ensures
Installation Support Functions are executed on Guam and military leased lands on the
Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI); serves as the regional environmental
coordinator for Guam, CNMI, and the Freely Associated States; and coordinates/oversees the
Mariana Islands range complex (MIRC).