Silvia Castro
Suffolk,VA
Summary
Experienced U.S. Coast Guard professional with 14+ years of experience in administrative management, procurement, and personnel support. Skilled in processing purchase requests and acquisitions through FSMS, coordinating hiring panel documentation, and maintaining accurate records for compliance. Adept at streamlining processes, handling sensitive information with discretion, and providing critical support to leadership. A dedicated professional with a commitment to efficiency, organization, and mission success.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Leading Petty Officer | Administrative Yeoman
United States Coast Guard
07.2021 - Current
- Lead and supervise junior personnel, ensuring efficiency in administrative and security operations.
- Process separations and manage personnel access in the Industrial Security Management System (ISMS).
- Operate front desk security, monitoring building access and verifying credentials.
- Serve as Assistant to the Command Security Officer, issuing and managing security badges.
- Act as Assistant to the Director, providing executive-level administrative support.
- Oversee administrative functions, including personnel records, correspondence, and compliance with Coast Guard policies.
- Process and submit Purchase Requests (PRs) and procure items through the Financial System Management Software (FSMS).
- Create hiring panel packets for upper staff, ensuring all necessary documentation is prepared for interviews.
- Manage post-interview documentation by scanning and maintaining digital records for reference and compliance.
Administrative Assistant
United States Coast Guard
06.2018 - 07.2021
- Provided direct administrative support to senior leadership, including the Chief of LANT-8 and the Atlantic Area Admiral’s front office.
- Managed and drafted official Coast Guard correspondence, memorandums, and internal documentation.
- Coordinated meetings, prepared briefs, and facilitated communication between departments and senior staff.
- Assisted with high-level administrative tasks, maintaining confidentiality and efficiency.
Yeoman | Education Program Specialist
United States Coast Guard
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Played a key role in establishing the education division when its responsibilities were transferred to ETQC, ensuring a smooth transition and implementation of new processes.
- Managed training quota requests, coordinating school enrollments and funding for Coast Guard personnel.
- Assisted service members with Tuition Assistance, credentialing programs, and educational benefits to support career development.
- Maintained and updated training records, ensuring compliance with Coast Guard policies and regulations.
- Liaised with training centers, units, and headquarters to facilitate course assignments and resolve scheduling issues.
- Provided administrative support, including drafting correspondence, managing official documentation, and processing service member requests.
Yeoman | Servicing Personnel Office Tech
United States Coast Guard
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Processed pay entitlements, advancements, and separations in Direct Access (DA) to ensure accurate and timely compensation for Coast Guard personnel.
- Reviewed and submitted travel claims and reimbursements using TPAX, ensuring compliance with federal travel regulations.
- Assisted members with administrative actions, including reenlistments, retirements, and dependency updates.
- Audited and maintained personnel records to ensure accuracy and adherence to Coast Guard policies.
- Provided customer service and guidance on pay, benefits, and personnel policies to active duty and reserve members.
Boatswain’s Mate
United States Coast Guard
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Coxswain Duties: Operated and navigated small boats, including the 64-foot Special Purpose Craft – Screening Vessel, ensuring the safety and security of escorted naval submarines.
- Security Operations: Enforced established security zones and regulated navigation areas around naval submarines, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring compliance with maritime law.
- Maintenance and Training: Supervised and conducted maintenance of deck equipment and small boats, ensuring operational readiness. Trained junior personnel in seamanship, navigation, and security procedures.
- Mission Support: Collaborated with U.S. Navy and other agencies to support the nation’s strategic deterrence missions, providing maritime force protection and law enforcement expertise.
Non-Rate
United States Coast Guard
11.2010 - 04.2013
- Deck Operations: Assisted in shipboard operations, including line handling, mooring, anchoring, and small boat operations in support of law enforcement and search & rescue missions.
- Helm & Lookout: Stood watch on the bridge, operating the helm and serving as lookout to ensure safe navigation.
- Law Enforcement & Patrols: Supported counter-narcotics, fisheries enforcement, and national defense operations in the Pacific.
- Maintenance & Readiness: Conducted regular maintenance on deck equipment, small boats, and the ship’s exterior to ensure operational readiness.
- Training & Qualification: Worked toward qualification as a Boatswain’s Mate, gaining experience in navigation, seamanship, and damage control.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
American Public University
03-2023
Skills
- Personnel & Payroll Management (Direct Access, TPAX, ISMS)
- Security Operations & Clearance Management
- Leadership & Team Supervision
- Administrative Support & Executive Assistance
- Maritime Law Enforcement & Navigation
- Training & Education Program Management
- Travel & Financial Processing
- Official Correspondence & Memo Drafting
Certification
- Top Secret Security Clearance (Active)
- Leadership & Management School (LAMS) – U.S. Coast Guard
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Collateral Duty Addictions Representative (CDAR) Training
- Instructor Development Course (IDC) – U.S. Coast Guard
Awards
- DHS Outstanding Unit Award
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon (three)
- Coast Guard COMDT Letter of Commendation Ribbon (three)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (four)
Timeline
Leading Petty Officer | Administrative Yeoman
United States Coast Guard
07.2021 - Current
Administrative Assistant
United States Coast Guard
06.2018 - 07.2021
Yeoman | Education Program Specialist
United States Coast Guard
06.2017 - 06.2018
Yeoman | Servicing Personnel Office Tech
United States Coast Guard
05.2016 - 06.2017
Boatswain’s Mate
United States Coast Guard
04.2013 - 05.2016
Non-Rate
United States Coast Guard
11.2010 - 04.2013
- Top Secret Security Clearance (Active)
- Leadership & Management School (LAMS) – U.S. Coast Guard
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Collateral Duty Addictions Representative (CDAR) Training
- Instructor Development Course (IDC) – U.S. Coast Guard
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
American Public University
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