U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Genzo Matua Suzuki Gonzales
Kazu Suzuki Gonzales
A RECENTLY commissioned ensign, Genzo Matua Suzuki Gonzales said joining the U.S. Coast Guard is “a special calling.”
Born and raised on Saipan, he graduated from the USCG Academy in Newland Connecticut, with a Bachelor of Science in Management on May 22.
His parents are John Bolis Delos Reyes Gonzales and the late Charlene Suzuki Gonzales.
“Initially, while in high school I wanted to go to a college in Japan, to further my cultural roots there,” Genzo said. “But upon learning from USCG Cmdr. Christine Igisomar, Lt. Cmdr. Freddy Hofschneider and others about the Coast Guard in a presentation at Kagman High School, I knew then I wanted to be a Coast Guard because of their humanitarian mission.”
In an interview on Friday, Genzo said he will be assigned as a deck watch officer for the USCG Cutter Waesche, whose home port is Alameda, California.
After his tour, he said he would like to join the Coast Guard maritime prevention program and return to Saipan as a supervisor of a USCG marine safety unit.
Genzo said he is dedicating his achievements to his late mother, his father and his grandparents for their continued support and encouragement.
Genzo’s two brothers are Seiji Gonzales, an upper-class junior 2nd class cadet in the USCG Academy; and Kazu Gonzales, an incoming USCG Academy cadet for the Class of 2028.
Kazu said having his two older brothers in the USCG was a factor in his decision to join the Coast Guard. “But I made the decision on my own to join the USCG willingly,” he added.
To his peers, Kazu said, “Don’t let anyone influence your decision on what you want to do in the future. If you want to do it and it makes you happy, don’t ever feel pressured to do something that you don’t want to do.”
He added, “Growing up surrounded by water… the ocean is our home, and I was lucky to be able to experience living on an island, being able to swim, and experience how our ancestors’ lived. This is our life. I wanted to preserve these waters for our future generations in order for them to experience what we have.”
Genzo said, “It’s a special calling. Growing up surrounded by water, we are naturally appreciative and we naturally have an understanding of the ocean. We love the water so much. Home will always be here, but there’s also much opportunity outside of our island, and these opportunities should be sought out. These opportunities are really great most especially in the Coast Guard and the U.S. military — they offer good opportunities and set you up really well.”
Genzo noted that Marianas Pacific islanders are well represented in the USCG Academy.
“As of right now, the USCG Academy is making history — we have the biggest Chamorro representation: 10 Chamorros including us,” he added.
