The following letter was sent by Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley to AMO Plans Executive Director Steve Nickerson.

I write with a great deal of pride to confirm the designation of the American Maritime Officers Safety and Education Plan d.b.a. STAR Center as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). This CoE program was established by Congress under Title 46 of the U.S. Code, and I am honored to designate your esteemed institution for this important recognition on behalf of Secretary Buttigieg.

The CoE designation recognizes the tremendous value that your institution provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for demanding careers in our vitally important maritime industry. Your graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimonial to the superior academic and professional education and training they received while attending the STAR Center.

I look forward to the STAR Center's continued excellence in the field of maritime education and training. Well done!