SAIPAN – Second Lt. Nicko Santos Salem, a Saipan native who attended Saipan Southern High School before continuing his education at The Citadel, has commissioned as a United States Marine Corps officer after 12 years of active duty service in the enlisted ranks.
Salem began his military career in 2014 and served 12 years on active duty before earning his commission. Throughout his enlisted career, he developed a foundation of discipline, resilience, and leadership that inspired him to continue serving at a higher level, according to a biographical statement provided to NMI News Service.
Salem chose the Marine Corps because of his admiration for the Marines who fought during World War II to liberate the islands of the Pacific from Japanese occupation, according to the statement. Their courage, sacrifice, and legacy motivated him to follow in their footsteps and continue serving the nation and the people of the Pacific Islands.
As a newly commissioned officer, Salem is pursuing a career as an Intelligence Officer in the Marine Corps. He hopes to lead Marines with integrity while continuing to develop professionally and personally throughout his career.
Salem thanked his wife and children for their support throughout his journey, according to the statement. He recognized that military life is not an easy pack to carry, and credited his family for standing beside him through every challenge, sacrifice, trial, and storm along the way.
Colonel Christopher Bopp administered the oath of office. Salem’s wife Maria Salem and his children performed the pinning of rank. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nevin Salem and Reynaldo Guevarra rendered the First Salute.
The Citadel, formally known as The Military College of South Carolina, is a senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina, and is one of six senior military colleges in the United States.
Salem’s commissioning is the second high-profile commissioning announcement from a Saipan-born officer in recent weeks, following 2nd Lt. Randy P. Taisacan Jr., who commissioned into the U.S. Space Force on May 18 after completing the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
