Marine Exchange of Alaska

07/17/2026

Wow, time flies when you're having fun!

MXAK has been proud to partner with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Center for Arctic Study and Policy (CASP), helping introduce future Coast Guard leaders to Alaska, the Arctic, and the many opportunities and challenges that come with operating in our maritime state.

Over the years, we've hosted several classes of cadets, and many of them have gone on to serve in Alaska after graduation. It turns out that once you get a taste of Alaska, it's hard not to get hooked.

This summer, we're excited to welcome Cadet 1/c Brendan Fant and Cadet 1/c Ben de Ondarza to the MXAK team. Over the past month, they've been diving headfirst into Alaska's maritime world—exploring ports, communities, mountains, marine transportation, Arctic operations, and the partnerships that keep our state connected and moving.

Currently, Brendan and Ben are visiting Prudhoe Bay and the North Slope, learning firsthand about the logistics, infrastructure, and coordination required to support life and industry in Alaska's Arctic.

Brendan is pursuing a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is passionate about Arctic infrastructure, technology, and improving marine transportation safety. Ben studies Marine and Environmental Science and is particularly interested in the intersection of science, maritime operations, and the blue economy.

They'll be wrapping up their time with us later this month, and we'll share more of their adventures and experiences soon. In the meantime, if you happen to see Brendan or Ben during their travels around Alaska, be sure to say hello and give these outstanding young leaders a warm Alaska welcome!

Fair winds and following seas, Brendan and Ben—we're glad to have you aboard.

06/30/2026

With Alaska’s maritime industry in full gear, Regulatory Compliance has been very busy in the office and the field. In Glacier Bay, we continue to support the National Park Service (NPS) and the cruise industry through our unannounced cruise ship environmental monitoring program. Our Compliance staff will set foot on EVERY ship that visits Glacier Bay this summer to ensure compliance with NPS operational and environmental rules. The weather doesn't always cooperate, but when it does, the views are unmatched. 🤩

06/26/2026

A crew of two from Field Operations recently banged out a bunch of work at several Marine Safety & Security Sites on Kodiak Island.

At Larsen Bay, a new site was installed at the Kodiak Microwave Systems (KMS) Low Site in Larsen Bay. This site provides AIS receive and DSC receive capabilities. Additionally, two new antennas were mounted on the KMS communications building along with a new Starlink as an internet backhaul.

On Spiridon Mountain, a damaged AtoN radio was replaced which resolved GPS failure and improved the receive performance. The Jotron (VHF-FM) radio also received a firmware update.

At Elbow Mountain, an AtoN radio was replaced and the condition and function of the existing coax line and antenna were checked.

On Pillar Mountain, a new Starlink dish was installed at our Jotron site. Initially, only a cellular modem was being used as backhaul but now after installing the Starlink this site has redundant connections in the case one was to fail.

06/25/2026

We are proud of our 15 year partnership with Alaska National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It's through their support we've been able to install and maintain over 70 remote weather stations across Alaska that provide real-time information for broader maritime awareness. Click the link to learn more!

Transmitting real-time data through Automatic Information Systems

06/11/2026

Big upgrade in Wales, Alaska!

We’ve recently launched a fully operational Marine Safety & Security Site at the Alaska DOT airport maintenance building—bringing a complete suite online with capabilities including VHF-FM communications, DSC, AIS receive and transmit, and a live weather sensor.

This installation ensures reliable connectivity and real-time data in one of Alaska’s most remote locations—marking a major step forward for maritime safety, weather monitoring, and communications in the Arctic.

To view Wales and all our sites across Alaska visit: https://blueview.mxak.org/

05/29/2026

For 25 years, the Marine Exchange of Alaska has worked to help build Alaska’s maritime safety net — connecting mariners, communities, technologies, and partnerships across some of the most challenging and beautiful waters in the world.

What started as a bold idea from Captain Ed Page and a few “friends of Ed” has grown into a statewide network supporting safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations across Alaska and beyond.

Along the way, we’ve shared a lot of sea stories, weather reports, close calls, long days in the field, innovative ideas, and unforgettable memories.

As we celebrate MXAK’s 25th Anniversary, we’d love to hear from you:
⚓ Do you have a favorite MXAK memory?
⚓ A photo from the field or out on the water?
⚓ A story about using MXAK capabilities during a voyage or adventure?

Please share your stories and photos with us as we celebrate 25 years of community, partnership, and maritime safety across Alaska and beyond. Thank you for being part of the journey — and for helping us continue to build something special in the Last Frontier.

05/22/2026

Auspiciously on this National Maritime Day, the Navy League Juneau Council hosted the Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, Ms. Laura DiBella, for a roundtable discussion this morning. With the Anthem of the Sea cruise ship as a backdrop, the group of the area's maritime leaders, shared both common and unique concerns facing our maritime economy.

Thank you to Sen. Murkowski and Sullivan's offices, CLEA, Carnival Cruise Lines, the MXAK, JEDC, Juneau Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Seafood, the ILWU, CBJ, Taku Fisheries, AML Shipping and Trucking, and of course, Ms. DiBella, for participating.

05/21/2026

Last week, our AHOY scholars traded the classroom for a full day exploring the maritime in Ketchikan — and Southeast Alaska delivered the full experience with sunshine, sideways rain, clouds, and everything in between.

Joined by MXAK Executive Director Captain Steve White, our crew visited the hardworking teams that help power Alaska’s Blue Economy. From touring the M/V Matanuska with Captain Hildre and the Alaska Marine Highway System crew, to exploring the busy JAG Shipyard alongside vessels like the M/V Columbia in drydock, students got a firsthand look at the many career paths and opportunities that exist in the maritime world.

The day wrapped up with an incredible visit to U.S. Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, where students toured facilities, stepped aboard Fast Response Cutter Denman, met with crew members, and even got underway on the 29s before being dropped off at the airport just in time for the flight home.

A huge thank you to all of our hosts and partners for sharing your time, stories, and expertise with the next generation of maritime leaders. Experiences like these help inspire curiosity, connection, and opportunity across Alaska’s maritime community.

03/31/2026

Last week, MXAK joined maritime leaders from across the country at the 2026 National Harbor Safety Conference in Seattle — a powerful reminder that safer waterways are built through partnership and shared information.

A huge thank you to our friends at Marine Exchange of Puget Sound for hosting such a fantastic conference and bringing together so many voices from across the maritime. Despite the challenges of the partial federal shutdown and the absence of our Coast Guard partners, the conference showcased exactly what this industry does best: adapt, collaborate, and keep moving forward.

We were especially proud to see our Executive Director, Captain Steve White, step up as a keynote speaker, sharing the importance of capabilities, communication, and working together to build a stronger maritime safety net — in Alaska and beyond.