The program has been in existence since 1978 when Congress, in response to the
GAO (General Accounting Office) findings, recommended the U. S. Navy
adopt commercial best practices for maintaining Navy surface ships.
The program has expanded over the years and now encompasses all ships of the Navy surface force.
The success of the program can be directly attributed to years of maintaining the uniformity of
high standards in personnel quality and integrity through a mix of contract and government
service Port Engineers possessing U.S. Coast Guard engineer's licenses, commercial
or Navy operating and maintenance expertise and collegiate engineering degrees.
Port Engineers offer the U.S. Navy the flexibility to recruit top
industry talent to support the dynamic, programmatic and
operational commitments required around the world.
