ENJJPT student pilot dives into NATO competition

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ava Margerison
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A soon-to-be student pilot from the 80th Flying Training Wing's Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program will represent the U.S. Air Force as a competitor in the 2014 Headquarters Allied Air Component Command swimming championships. 

1st Lt. Cody Deacon was selected to join the nine-man U.S. team to partake in the competition to be held at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, June 25-27.

The event is part of the Inter-Nation Sports Programme. The U.S. Air Force men and women's teams will be competing against other contributing nations within the HQ- AIRCOM which includes Belgium, Germany, Poland, England and the Netherlands.

Deacon, a native from Portland Ore., grew up with water in his veins jumping in the pool at age 11. He swam through school and dove into competition at the Air Force Academy as the swim team captain, qualifying for the U.S. Olympic trials in 2012.

He has been competitive in the 100m and 200m breast stroke, 200m individual medley and 50m freestyle races. During the competition, Deacon will only be allowed to participate in three events.

"I'm just happy that I have the opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force and compete for the air force in a NATO event," Deacon said.

To reach a competitive level of performance, he described rigorous training schedules throughout his career consisting of double practices 3-4 times a week starting at 4:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. averaging 20-25 hours of pool-time.

"Swimming is a challenging sport and you have to be self-motivated at times; you can't hear anyone else while you are in the water," Deacon said. "Training taught me discipline to make sure I get up and do what I need to do in practice, so I can accomplish my goals in competition."

The support of his family, coaches, and teammates has been influential throughout his swimming career. He highlighted his appreciation for the continuous support and understanding he receives from his wife Janée, especially during training.

"Swimming as a sport can get tedious at times, so having someone next to you who's there to motivate you and push you is what really what gets you through," Deacon said.

Deacon left for training June 19 and will attend training camp June 25-27 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany prior to the competition and hopes to use his swimming experiences and lessons he has learned as motivators as he enters his next phase of training, pilot training.

"It has a little more meaning to me that I am able to represent the U.S. in this competition and also be part of the ENJJPT program," Deacon said. "I've wanted to fly since I can remember," he said. "I am really happy that I am in this program and ultimately really excited to get started training."

Soon after he returns from the NATO competition, Deacon will start pilot training here in July.