Jakey to dive into Coast Guard Academy

Anthony Jacob “Jakey” Camacho Deleon Guerrero, seasoned competitive former CNMI national swimmer, is diving into a new challenge as he gets the nod for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

The 2023 Marianas High School graduate is heading off to the academy in New London, Connecticut at the end of the month, with his swearing in on July 1. He is currently spending time back home with his family.

The 18-year-old recently just finished up his freshman year at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. In the academy, he will finish his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in an accredited college educating future Coast Guard officers. The Coast Guard Academy’s Corps of Cadets is the smallest of the five military service academies and represents the best and brightest students, ready to serve and lead the country.

Admission to the Coast Guard Academy is highly competitive and fewer than 400 appointments are offered annually from a pool of over 2,000 applicants. Cadets receive a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a five-year service commitment to the Coast Guard upon graduation. All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are guaranteed a position of leadership as a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard.

On why he joined the academy, he said he was inspired by some of his peers who’s joined, and that, “I just want to do something greater with myself and push my limits to see how far I can go.”

Ahead of his departure, he said he’s looking forward to all the challenges and all the things he has to work towards. “It won’t be easy but I know those challenges will help me grow as a person,” he said.

As a student athlete in high school, he takes being physically active into his college career as he still swims and plays volleyball—but not competitively. Whether or not he’d be competing in the Academy, he said he will have to see first if all goes well because he knows it’s a hard thing to do.

The academy has a 60% student-athlete population and is a D3 school.

As the Coast Guard is very physically demanding, Deleon Guerrero’s athletic abilities will translate well into the Academy. He said, “As an athlete growing up, it does help a lot in terms of discipline.”

His mom is also a big inspiration for him and how she made a name for herself. “Seeing that, I want to continue that legacy and make a name for myself and my family as well,” said Deleon Guerrero.

He first thanked God and said he’s been praying a lot with his family because it’s been a dream—not particularly the Academy, but that he also gets to make a name for himself. “I’ve actually wanted to join the military since 8th grade, so having this come true, I just want to give back to God,” he said.

He also thanked his family, his niña Natiya Camacho for helping him transition to Hawaii life, his niño Dewayne Camacho, and his uncle Juan Camacho. He then thanked U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Christine Igisomar, for seeing his potential and for taking the time to help him out with his application.

His advice to the youth is to take advantage of technology and social media, as well as the sources in the CNMI. “There’s so many opportunities here as well such as NMTech,” he said. “The path is limitless and there’s just so many resources at your disposal. Whatever the opportunity is, you should go for it.”

His mother, Alfreda C. Maratita, the executive director of Commonwealth of Transit Authority said, “We are very proud of Jakey and grateful to every single individual who has helped teach, guide, inspire, and love our son through the years. To God, we give all the glory for His faithfulness and continued blessings—most especially for the full appointment to this prestigious opportunity with the United States Coast Guard Academy. As Jakey embarks on a new chapter, our faith in God to keep our son safe, healthy, and focused shall remain steadfast for this is His will for our son. Wherever Jakey goes, may he always remember to keep the CNMI in his heart his home.”

Deleon Guerrero is the son of Audie and Alfreda C. Maratita, and his biological father is Anthony Deleon Guerrero.