Specialized testing facilities and expert support are critical for advancing marine energy technologies. These facilities offer a comprehensive suite of services, including laboratory and bench testing, tank and flume testing, numerical modeling, and open-water capabilities, all designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of marine energy. Beyond marine energy, the testing infrastructure available in the USA, also supports other vital industries, such as offshore renewables and oil and gas, by providing necessary environments for evaluating structures, components, and systems under both simulated and real-world conditions. During this technical session, we will explore the critical role of specialized testing facilities and expert support in advancing marine energy technologies. We will delve into the various methodologies employed, starting with laboratory and bench testing, which enables meticulous evaluation of individual components and materials in controlled settings. This foundational testing ensures the reliability and performance characteristics vital for the ultimate validation stage of open-water testing.