Sector Key West Deputy Commander
Commander Michael Viles
Commander Michael Viles reported to Sector Key West in July 2024 where he currently serves as the Deputy Sector Commander - responsible for over 55,000 square nautical miles and over 700 Coast Guardsman and Auxiliary. Prior to July 2026, he served as Response Department Head overseeing six Fast Response Cutters, three Stations, the Enforcement Division, the Intelligence Division, and the Incident Management Division. As the Response Department Head, he was responsible for the Coast Guard’s response to Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Pollution Response.
Prior to his arrival to Sector Key West, Commander Viles served as a Special Assistant to the Vice Commandant where he provided direct staff support to operate and advance Coast Guard policy, strategy, and outreach activities. Additionally, he served as the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Coordinator in the Office of Budget and Programs at Coast Guard Headquarters. As the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Coordinator, he was responsible for managing all facets of the multi-year federal budget process, including formulation and justification of the Coast Guard’s $14 billion annual budget.
Prior to his arrival to Coast Guard Headquarters, Commander Viles served as the Comptroller and Finance Department Head at Training Center Petaluma where he oversaw the unit’s $12 million appropriated budget, the Coast Guard’s largest revenue generating MWR program, and a workforce of more than 70 active duty and civilian members. During this assignment, Commander Viles lead FORCECOM though Business Process Reengineering as well as the transition to the Financial System Modernization Solution system.
Commander Viles is a career response ashore officer, completing assignments as the Command Center Chief at Sector Key West, FL and as the Vessel Boarding and Security Team lead at Sector St. Petersburg, FL. During these tours, Commander Viles served as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordinator and Command Duty Officer, directing countless Coast Guard and partnering agencies responses to numerous Homeland Security, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Marine Safety cases.
Commander Viles is a 2006 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Computer Analysis. In 2013, he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tampa’s Sykes School of Business. Commander Viles holds a certification as a Certified Government Financial Manager.
His personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals with operational distinction, five Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Humanitarian Service Medal, and various other service, unit, and team awards.