The Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port of Guam is celebrating their 49th anniversary this week, marking nearly five decades of essential service to the people of Guam, the region, and the United States.

This year’s Port Week will be held from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, with the theme “Port Strong: Nearly Half a Century of Grit, Resilience, and Service Fueling Local and Regional Economies, Partnerships, and National Security.”

The week will see various activities to reflect on its legacy. The Port Week Opening Ceremony took place at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.

It featured a flag-raising ceremony, Parade of Trucks, and remarks from Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

"For nearly half a century, the Port has been the lifeline of Guam and the region, connecting us to the world. Our employees, known as Port Strong, have been the driving force behind every success, showing unmatched resilience in the face of challenges. Whether it's ensuring the smooth flow of goods during a global pandemic or bouncing back after a devastating typhoon, they are the backbone of the Port. As we celebrate this anniversary, we honor the grit, dedication, and service of our workforce and look forward to building an even brighter future,” said General Manager Rory Respicio.

“We have accomplished so much this past year toward improving and securing our facilities to better serve our community all the while remaining fiscally prudent and achieving clean audits and receiving positive credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings,” added Respicio. “The heart of the Port lies in its people—our Port Strong employees, past and present, whose dedication and tireless work have been the backbone of our success. Through every challenge, every storm, and every crisis, they have shown resilience that is second to none.”

As the Port Authority of Guam approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, it remains committed to its mission of fueling local and regional economies and supporting national security and will celebrate the enduring legacy of the Port and its vital role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Guam and the region.

“As we look toward the future, we will continue to build on our successes by modernizing our infrastructure, enhancing our services, and securing critical partnerships. The Port will remain the cornerstone of Guam’s economy and a key player in the broader Indo-Pacific region,” General Manager Respicio said.