ASTRO America, U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base Program host Benedición for Guam’s first advanced manufacturing hub

The Applied Science and Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) and the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program celebrated a ceremonial groundbreaking and Benedición (blessing) to mark the launch of the Guam Additive Materials and Manufacturing Accelerator (GAMMA) – Guam’s first advanced manufacturing hub. This milestone celebrates the establishment of a cutting-edge facility that will use additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce mission-critical parts at the point of need, supporting both national defense and local economic growth.

“When I came into office, I believed that Guam deserved more than to simply host innovation taking place elsewhere. I wanted us to attract investment, to build partnerships, and to create an economy where our people could thrive in the industries of the future,” says Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “GAMMA represents that belief becoming reality. This is about skilled careers for our sons and daughters right here at home. This is about Guam shaping solutions for our national defense and our local needs. I am proud of every partner who chose to build this future with us. Together, we are growing an island of possibility.”

“GAMMA is more than a facility, it’s a model for how forward-deployed advanced manufacturing can advance enhance supply chain agility, economic development, and military regional readiness,” says Neal Orringer, President of ASTRO America. “We’re honored to work alongside the people of Guam, the Navy, and our partners to turn this vision into reality.”

Located in Dededo, Guam, the 8,000ft² GAMMA Applications Center will house a full suite of advanced manufacturing equipment centered around metal additive manufacturing. Precision machining centers, metrology systems, and materials testing labs complete the facility envisioned as an end-to-end production ecosystem capable of rapid design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification of parts—all under one roof.

GAMMA will also serve as a collaboration hub, bringing together engineers, students, Navy maintainers, and industry experts to solve real world sustainment challenges and employ Guam’s next generation of technical talent. Construction and equipment installation will continue through early 2026, with phased operations beginning soon after.

The initiative represents a historic investment in Guam’s economic and national security future. Driven by collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Guam’s government, workforce, and higher education institutions, GAMMA will:

• Build and scale advanced manufacturing capabilities on-island.
• Produce mission-critical parts for the U.S. Navy and Department of War.
• Enable dual use production to support development of fundamental infrastructure for long term commercial manufacturing capacity.
• Increase U.S. Navy fleet readiness and logistical resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
• Support the development of the Navy’s maritime industrial base, with the potential to expand into adjacent defense sectors, including Air Force aircraft maintenance and other mission-critical applications.
• Lays the foundation for the next phase of Navy-sponsored efforts focused on real-world use cases and the production of key naval replacement parts.
• Create high-skilled jobs and expand partnerships with the University of Guam, Guam Community College and mainland engineering leaders like Colorado School of Mines. 

“This project represents years of collaboration and commitment to something much bigger than just a building. It’s about creating capability, opportunity, and resilience here on-island,” says Alex Benham, director & general manager of GAMMA. “For the Navy, GAMMA represents accelerated access to critical parts, shorter repair timelines, and stronger readiness across the Indo-Pacific. For Guam, it means high-value technical jobs, training for the next generation, and a lasting role in strengthening our nation’s defense industrial base. I’m proud to be part of this meaningful work and excited to see Guam leading the way in how America sustains its fleet and builds its future.”

The ceremonial event included a traditional Benedición, symbolizing the cultural significance and community partnership at the heart of the GAMMA initiative.