Michael Viola

Station Key West, located at the southern tip of Florida, has a rich military history dating back to the early 19th century. Initially established to support naval operations and combat piracy in the Caribbean, it became a critical outpost during the Civil War as part of the Union blockade. Over the decades, the station evolved to play a significant role in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and drug interdiction missions. Today, Station Key West remains a vital component of the U.S. Coast Guard's operations in the Florida Keys and the surrounding waters.