Eastern Shipbuilding and Gulf County Partner on Maritime Academy

The new program aims to cultivate the next generation of skilled maritime professionals.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:36am

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A minimalist, isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a stylized shipyard environment with cranes, ships, and workers, representing the collaborative workforce development program between Eastern Shipbuilding and Gulf County.The Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Maritime Academy prepares the next generation of skilled maritime professionals through hands-on training and industry mentorship.Panama City Today

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, in collaboration with Gulf County and regional partners, recently hosted Florida's Secretary of Commerce and a delegation of economic development leaders to showcase the Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Group Maritime Academy, a strategic workforce development initiative designed to prepare students for high-demand roles in ship construction, repair, and maritime operations.

Why it matters

The partnership between Eastern Shipbuilding and Gulf County highlights the importance of aligning education with industry needs to support the growth and competitiveness of Florida's maritime economy. By investing in local talent, the Maritime Academy aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers to benefit the community, the state, and the nation's maritime industrial base.

The details

The Maritime Academy's curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on shipyard experience, and direct mentorship from seasoned industry professionals. During the visit, officials heard firsthand testimonials from four academy-trained team members whose careers illustrate the program's success, including a crane operator, a general labor foreman, an electrician, and a general laborer in electrical training.

  • The Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Maritime Academy was recently launched.
  • The special presentation for Florida's Secretary of Commerce and economic development leaders took place on April 20, 2026.

The players

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

An American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast, known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country.

Gulf County

A regional partner that collaborated with Eastern Shipbuilding Group to establish the Maritime Academy.

Dejaerious Smith

Crane Operator 2/C, a graduate of the Maritime Academy.

Roy Carson

General Labor Foreman, a graduate of the Maritime Academy.

Zadarrien Becton

General Labor (Electrical in Training) and future Electrician 3/C, a graduate of the Maritime Academy.

Jennifer Daughtry

Electrician 2/C, a graduate of the Maritime Academy.

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What they’re saying

“The Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Maritime Academy is more than a training program — it's a pipeline to meaningful careers that benefit our community, our state and our nation's maritime industrial base.”

— Joey D'Isernia, CEO, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

What’s next

The Maritime Academy will continue to expand its curriculum and enrollment to meet the growing demand for skilled maritime professionals in the region.

The takeaway

By investing in local talent and aligning education with industry needs, the partnership between Eastern Shipbuilding and Gulf County is strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers and reinforcing Florida's leadership in maritime workforce readiness.