Houston, Texas — (June 23, 2026) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) contributed to the event through technical expertise, workforce development initiatives, educational content, and thought leadership discussions at the 2026 American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) MegaRust Symposium, helping advance discussions on corrosion prevention, asset protection, and industry best practices.
This year's symposium reinforced an important shift in perspective: corrosion is increasingly viewed not simply as a maintenance issue, but as a fleet readiness challenge that directly affects ship availability, mission capability, and long-term sustainment costs.
"One of the strongest messages coming out of MegaRust was that corrosion is no longer being discussed as just a maintenance problem," said Jennifer Merck, Vice President of Maritime and Defense at AMPP. "Across presentations and discussions, there was broad recognition that corrosion affects fleet readiness, mission capability, maintenance costs, and overall capacity. Preventing corrosion before it occurs is becoming a critical part of maintaining a ready and resilient fleet."
AMPP maintained a strong presence throughout the event. Merck moderated the painting contractor panel discussion, while AMPP also delivered the NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI) course and participated in technical discussions on coatings, inspections, workforce development, and emerging technologies. The organization also sponsored the popular Corrosion Jeopardy competition, giving attendees an interactive opportunity to test their knowledge and reinforce key concepts related to NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32.
Topics that received strong interest from attendees included robotics, automated inspections, drone-based coating application, predictive maintenance, additive manufacturing, and laser surface preparation. However, speakers emphasized that no single technology will solve readiness challenges.
"Whether the discussion involved robotics, additive manufacturing, laser ablation, advanced coatings, or automated inspections, the same conclusion emerged," Merck said. "Successful implementation depends on trained personnel, recognized standards, qualification programs, and quality assurance systems. Technology is transforming how maintenance is performed, but readiness still depends on qualified people working within proven standards."
Workforce development was another recurring theme, with discussions on workforce shortages, succession planning, technical expertise, and the need for accelerated certification and training pathways.
"Many of the technologies receiving attention today still rely on the same foundational elements that have always supported successful asset protection programs: standards, training, workforce development, qualifications, accreditation, and quality assurance," Merck said. "Those are areas where AMPP continues to play a vital role in supporting both industry and government stakeholders."
The symposium also highlighted growing momentum behind initiatives such as the Navy's Swift Warship Action on Rust Mitigation (SWARM) program and other programs that implement corrosion-control technologies. Discussions also focused on aligning Navy leadership, technical authorities, shipyards, and industry partners on the significance of corrosion control for fleet readiness.
For AMPP, MegaRust provided an opportunity to demonstrate how standards, training, certifications, and workforce development contribute to defense sustainment and mission readiness.
"As maintenance technologies continue to evolve, the need for qualified professionals and proven standards becomes even more important," Merck said. "MegaRust reinforced the idea that readiness is achieved through the combination of innovation, technical expertise, and a skilled workforce. AMPP is proud to help support that mission."
Learn more about how AMPP supports mission-readiness at Safeguarding Mission-Critical Defense Assets with AMPP - AMPP and download the new report on workforce impact on fleet readiness at U.S. Shipbuilding and Repair 2026 | Industry Reports | Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 41,000 members in over 150 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. www.ampp.org