SAIPAN – Second Lieutenant Randy P. Taisacan Jr., born in Saipan, was commissioned into the United States Space Force on May 18 in Honolulu as part of a class of five lieutenants from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa Air Force ROTC detachment.
Taisacan was born in Saipan and moved to Guam, where he attended John F. Kennedy High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where he was a cadet in the Na Koa Lani AFROTC detachment.
Lieutenant Taisacan said his interest in joining the military began when he was young, and that his most vivid memory of military introduction was through his AFJROTC unit, GU-051st. Choosing to serve in the Space Force is the decision he is most proud of, he said, noting that the opportunities, networks, and culture of the service fit what he wants to pursue in his career. He said he hopes to inspire a new generation of cadets to join the United States Space Force.
Taisacan thanked his family, friends, and mentors for guiding and supporting him through his college years. He said he hopes to one day return the support he has received from those who helped him reach the moment of his commission.
At the May 18 ceremony, his oath was administered by 2nd Lt. Antoinette Sardillo of the U.S. Air Force, also among the five newly commissioned officers from the Na Koa Lani detachment that day. His father, Randy Taisacan; his mother, Sydie Taisacan; and his aunt, Brenda Atalig, pinned on his rank. His first salute was rendered by Staff Sgt. Paul Anthony Atalig Taisacan of the U.S. Army.
Taisacan was selected as a 92SO Space Force Trainee. His first duty assignment will be at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, where he hopes to earn the role of a 13S Space Operations Officer.
The other newly commissioned lieutenants from the Na Koa Lani detachment on May 18 are 2nd Lt. Keoni I. Mabini, 2nd Lt. Zian J. Benavente, 2nd Lt. Antoinette Marie B. Sardillo, and 2nd Lt. Rhandy M. Yoon.
Na Koa Lani, which translates to “Warriors of the Heavens” in Hawaiian, is the AFROTC Detachment 175 at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
