National Park College’s (NPC) Marine Technology program recently hosted a two-week original engine manufacturer (OEM) training course for the United States Navy, led by Montgomery Motors Ltd., a Suzuki Marine distributor based in Honolulu.
Tristan Burke, director of service operations for Montgomery Motors Ltd., instructed the course, which focused on Suzuki outboard engine service fundamentals. The training was held exclusively for Navy personnel and marked a significant collaboration between NPC and the military.
“We picked up the Navy about four years ago,” Burke said. “They’ve been running the 250 AP XX, our 250-horsepower, 30-inch shaft engine, for about nine years now. This course helps ensure they’re fully equipped to maintain and service those engines.”
Burke, who works remotely from Southern California, said the decision to host the training at NPC stemmed from a longstanding relationship with NPC Assistant Professor Delmar “Dino” Hunter and the college’s growing reputation in marine technology education.
“We were looking for a facility in this region to support Suzuki dealers, and NPC stood out,” Burke said. “Dino has done a great job. Every time I come back, it looks better. We believe in the school and plan to continue supporting it.”
The five-day course covered topics including warranty procedures, engine diagnostics, rigging and computer-based troubleshooting. Burke said the goal is for participants to leave with the skills needed to perform essential Suzuki engine services.
“This is one of several courses we offer,” Burke said. “We’re planning to return with a new diagnostic course, SDS2, as part of an ongoing partnership.”
Hunter said hosting the Navy training underscores the national reach and industry relevance of NPC’s Marine Technology program.
“It emphasizes that we are a program that meets national standards,” Hunter said. “We’re adaptable, and we’re proud to support the Navy while strengthening relationships with partners like Montgomery Motors and Suzuki Marine USA.”
Hunter added that the program’s growth and partnerships are vital to its success.
“If we didn’t have partners like Montgomery Motors, Suzuki, Yamaha, Mercury or our dealer network, we couldn’t function,” he said. “Boats are expensive. We can’t just buy a $30,000 motor. These partnerships allow us to train students with real-world equipment.”
Burke praised NPC’s facilities, comparing them favorably to some of the top marine training centers in the country.
“I’ve been to Marine Mechanics Institute in Florida and seen what OEMs like Yamaha and Mercury have,” Burke said. “NPC is right up there with them.”
Hunter said that kind of feedback validates the program’s long-term vision.
“Our goal has always been to create a facility that feels like a factory training center,” he said. “It didn’t happen overnight, but we’re getting there.”