District Captain West (DCAPT-W), Southeast District

Karen Miller

As District Captain West, I am honored to represent and support the Auxiliarists serving within the western
area of responsibility of the Southeast District. Our members proudly serve alongside the active-duty Coast
Guard in safeguarding our waterways, supporting maritime safety, and promoting recreational boating safety
throughout our region.

District West operates in support of U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, covering an expansive and
diverse geographic area that stretches from the Florida–Georgia line and the Fenholloway River in Northwest
Florida south to the Ten Thousand Islands of Southwest Florida, and from Florida’s inland rivers and lakes
westward to the Gulf. This area includes Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and countless waterways that are vital
to commerce, recreation, and public safety.

The District West team is comprised of five divisions and more than 1,050 Auxiliarists, all of whom contribute
their time, skills, and dedication in service to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater (the largest single command
in the U.S. Coast Guard), Sector St. Petersburg, and multiple Coast Guard stations along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Our Auxiliarists perform a wide range of missions in direct support of Coast Guard priorities. These include
surface and air operations, search and rescue support, vessel safety checks, recreational boating safety
education, marine safety and pollution response, watchstanding, communications, culinary support, and aids-
to-navigation verification.

Divisions of District West

Division 15 (Northwest Florida)
Supporting Coast Guard Station Yankeetown since 1975, Division 15 operates in a region known for long,
winding rivers and challenging Gulf waters. Its four flotillas serve large rural areas as well as communities such
as Crystal River, Homosassa, Hernando Beach, and Ocala, with more than 75 members.

Division 11 (Pinellas and Pasco Counties Area)
Serving the area of responsibility of Coast Guard Station Sand Key, Division 11 is highly active in operations
and training support for both Station Sand Key and Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater. Its five flotillas cover
the same area of responsibility as Station Sand Key: From John’s Pass in the south to Hudson in the north.
The division includes five flotillas and more than 150 members.

Division 9 (Southwest Florida)
The largest and southernmost division, Division 9 has served Southwest Florida since 1962. Supporting Coast
Guard Station Fort Myers Beach and Marine Safety Detachment Fort Myers, its nine flotillas span from Cape
Haze to the Ten Thousand Islands and from the Gulf to Lake Okeechobee, with over 350 Auxiliarists.

Division 8 (Central West Coast / South Tampa Bay)
Serving the area from south Tampa Bay to Boca Grande Pass, Division 8 has supported Coast Guard Station
Cortez since 1970. The division excels in both operations and recreational boating safety and consists of five
flotillas with more than 200 members.

Division 7 (Tampa/St. Petersburg)
Covering much of Tampa Bay, Division 7 plays a key role in port security and is the lead division for on-the-
water support of the annual Gasparilla event. The division’s seven flotillas and more than 250 members
support Station St. Petersburg and Air Station Clearwater.

From the DCAPT-W

As District Captain West, my leadership vision is grounded in service, communication, and collaboration. My
focus is on strengthening the foundation of our organization while positioning District West for continued
success. Building on strong district-wide initiatives already underway, my priorities include improving
communication and transparency across divisions and flotillas; expanding consistent, high-quality leadership
and skills training; supporting mentorship, succession planning, and member development; and encouraging
collaboration to share best practices and resources. By aligning our efforts with district goals and Coast Guard
priorities, I am committed to ensuring our members are equipped, informed, and motivated to carry out Coast
Guard and Auxiliary missions safely, professionally, and with pride..

Watchwords for District Captain West
Motto: Be the Best, Then Get Better

Excellence
Excellence is the standard we set for ourselves and the commitment we make to the Coast Guard and to one
another. It reflects our professionalism, our preparedness, and our devotion to missions. To “Be the Best”
begins right here—with the choices we make, the skills we sharpen, and the pride we take in every task, large
or small.

Service
Service is who we are. It encompasses our readiness, our support for our Coast Guard partners, and our
dedication to our communities. Service means stepping forward with purpose, humility, and heart. It requires us
to continually “Get Better,” growing our abilities so we can better support those who depend on us.

Respect
Respect guides how we treat each other, how we lead, and how we build the next generation of Auxiliary
members. It is the foundation of strong teams, clear communication, and a welcoming, professional
environment. Respect ensures that every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.