Silbanuz, 21, is the first FSM citizen to graduate from the Naval Academy, and only the second FSM citizen to be accepted and graduate from one of the five U.S. service academies.
While attending the academy, Silbanuz made the commandant’s list, the dean’s list, and the superintendent’s list for academic achievement. He also received an award for his capability in combating cyber warfare. He graduated 330th out of a class of 1,051 in overall order of merit. After completing his service obligation to the FSM national government, Silbanuz plans to become an officer in the U.S. Navy.
A native of Madolenihmw and Kolonia, Silbanuz is the oldest son of Bernard Mendis, former information system manager for FSM Telecommunications Corp., and Phyllis Silbanuz, IT division chairwoman and assistant professor at the COM-FSM Pohnpei campus.
Prior to enrolling in the Naval Academy in 2006, Byron Silbanuz attended the Seventh-Day Adventist School in Pohnpei.
Eugene Amor of Pohnpei is also currently attending the Naval Academy, becoming the second FSM citizen to attend the Naval Academy and the third FSM citizen to attend any U.S. service academy. The midshipman is set to graduate in 2011.
Under the Compact of Free Association, the FSM may nominate candidates to compete for admission at each of the U.S. service academies: the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Army’s Military Academy and the Merchant Marines Academy.
The nominees must be F.S.M. citizens between the ages of 17 and 23.
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