For nearly ten months, they trained for one mission—protecting Guam’s borders. 29 new Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency officers officially step into that role, strengthening the island’s frontline defense.

The recruits completed CQA's 15th Training Cycle, graduating Thursday at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort after nearly ten months of intensive training. From criminal justice coursework at the Guam Community College to firearms qualification, physical ability testing, and on-the-job training, the officers met all Guam POST Commission requirements.

Director Ike Peredo says the graduates are critical to restoring staffing levels and strengthening threat detection at Guam’s borders—protecting public health, safety, and the island’s economy. "We are entrusted with a profound duty as you know, we enforce not only the laws of regulation of Guam across multiple regulatory agencies, but those of our federal counterparts," he said.

The class includes 20 men and nine women, bringing diverse professional backgrounds and Korean and Mandarin language proficiency, adding operational value across customs enforcement roles.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, "We the people of Guam rely on your work, rely on your function, rely on your agency to keep us safe and protected, from outside forces, that are adversarial to our island and community, that can impact negatively the quality of our life."

During the ceremony, graduates received certificates from CQA and the POST Commission, recognition from the Governor’s Office, the Guam Legislature, and Congressman James Moylan—before loved ones pinned their badges.

Victoria Bang earned valedictorian honors, with Jeremy Chargualaf named salutatorian. With this class, CQA’s officer count rises to 153, continuing efforts to rebuild the agency’s workforce after years of declining numbers.

Peredo said, "Congratulations to each and every one of you welcome to the Customs and Quarantine family!"