MILITARY SPOTLIGHT

MATTHEW MERRIMAN, U.S. COAST GUARD
Operations Specialist Second Class, Sector Key West

Hometown: Jacksonville, North Carolina

Why did you join the military? I joined the Coast Guard on a plan to serve my country for four years and utilize the GI Bill to help pay for law school after my enlistment.

Where do you see yourself in the future? Do you plan to remain on active duty? I fell in love with the unique attributes of my job while stationed here. My original plan of separating from service after my initial contract has morphed into a desire to continue to serve for as long as I can. 

How many years have you served  in the military? 3.5 years

What is your job? Currently I am a Situation Unit Controller in the Command Center. I am responsible for monitoring planned and emergent activities within Sector Key West’s 55,000-square-mile area of control to include Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Living Marine Resources and Pollution.

Had you ever been to the Florida Keys or Key West before your current assignment? Nope.

Did you choose Key West or were you just assigned here? I chose Key West because I wanted to come to a hard-hitting unit that was operationally busy around the clock. Plus, I love to fish and be on the water in my free time, so what better place is there?

What were your first thoughts upon learning you were coming to the Keys? I was ecstatic.

Hobbies? I enjoy fishing and going to the gym.

What do you do in your free time? I enjoy fishing, boating, and relaxing with friends. I also spend a fair amount of time volunteering in the community. I don’t work a standard work schedule, so coordinating my work, volunteering and personal time can make for a busy and often hectic life, but I enjoy every minute of it.

Have you ever attended Fantasy Fest and if so what were your initial thoughts? I’ve attended every Fantasy Fest since 2017. I love all the weird and wonderful that comes with the festival. It truly is a time for people to express themselves any way they wish. 

What do you like most about the Keys? It’s hard to explain. Maybe it’s the ocean breeze, the scenic small-town vibes or the crystal clear waters. They’re all pieces to the puzzle that come together and make it whole.

What do you like most about your assignment? Running Search and Rescue. The ocean is unforgiving and vast. It feels good knowing that we stand the watch ready to respond at a moment’s notice to save mariners in distress.

What would you change about life in Key West if you had the power to do so? I would love to resolve the affordable housing debate. It’s a complex situation about which people are very passionate.

Any advice for other military personnel seeking assignment here? Buy a reliable boat and get out on the water. Be active in YOUR community and meet some non-military people.What do you like most about living here? I love the tropical, small-town vibes. I live in the Meadows neighborhood and I enjoy riding my bicycle or walking for a majority of my commute.