Commander Richard P. Armstrong assumed the duties of Deputy Commander at Coast Guard Sector Key West in June 2020. In this capacity, he serves as Alternate Captain of the Port, overseeing three multi-mission stations, six patrol boats, and an Aids to Navigation Team. Prior to reporting as Deputy Commander, Commander Armstrong served as Deputy Command Center Director at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he synchronized operations across maritime, land, cyber, air, missile, and space domains to execute homeland defense, civil support, and security cooperation missions.

In previous assignments, Commander Armstrong served as Comptroller of the Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama where he was responsible for executing an $18 million annual budget and overseeing all acquisitions and logistics services for the Coast Guard’s largest and most diverse aviation command. He also served as Chief of the Incident Management Division at Sector Maryland – National Capital Region where he led operational forces and conducted search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental missions for the Maryland and National Capital Region.

Commander Armstrong’s other assignments include a tour as Financial Analyst for the Coast Guard’s Assistant Commandant for Resources and Chief Financial Officer at Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Operational planner at the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Area Command in Portsmouth, Virginia. And Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant aboard the VENTUROUS, a medium endurance cutter homeported in St. Petersburg, Florida.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Commander Armstrong graduated with honors from the Coast Guard Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research and Computer Analysis. In 2008, he attended Syracuse University and earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. Commander Armstrong is a Certified Government Financial Manager and has earned the Advanced Boat Forces qualification insignia.

His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, two Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbons and various other personal and unit awards. Commander Armstrong is married to Michelle Armstrong and they have two children, Thomas and Teagan.