Skyler Wilkins
San Diego,CA
Summary
Highly skilled Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist with eight years of experience in federal law enforcement with the United States Coast Guard. Expertise in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counter-smuggling, high risk maritime operations, and search and rescue operations. Experience in case package preparation, conducting criminal investigations into suspected violations of federal law and operational leadership. Honorable Discharge July 2023. Current student at University of San Diego.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Maritime Enforcement Specialist
United States Coast Guard
06.2017 - 07.2023
- Fully qualified member of the Direct Action Section 7, with 6 years of experience.
- Sensitive Site Exploitation Team Leader.
- Coordinated with unit leadership to assign tasks and effectively manage subordinates to achieve operational success and improve mission efficiency.
- Led international maritime exercises across 10 or more Indo-Pacific nations, enhancing operational collaboration and readiness.
- Investigated suspects using the National Crime Information Center database (NCIC).
- Boarded recreational and commercial vessels to check for compliance with laws.
- Used expertise in maritime law enforcement to navigate complex jurisdictional overlaps, and foster inter-agency collaboration.
- Completed and submitted thorough reports on incidents and observations.
- Completed training courses for general enforcement and specific subjects, such as anti-terrorism actions.
- Conducted the pursuit of vessels suspected of violating U.S. law.
- Participated in law enforcement operations that resulted in the apprehension of multiple individuals suspected of violating U.S. law, and the seizure of narcotics worth millions of dollars.
- Conducted interviews of persons suspected of violating U.S. law.
- Trained in the detection and disruption of improvised explosive devices, homemade explosives, and their precursors.
- Trained in interrogation of suspects.
- Served in a leadership capacity as a boarding officer and squad leader, having direct operational oversight of over 5 to 10 boarding team members.
- Served a total of five years in an on-call status for domestic and global, short-notice maritime response incidents.
- Prepared case packages and statements to support criminal prosecution, including evidence collection, evidence preservation, and chain of custody requirements.
- Conducted an operational risk assessment and mitigation for high-risk missions.
- Investigated and conducted surveillance of foreign companies illegally trading goods that violated NATO sanctions.
Fireman
United States Coast Guard
01.2015 - 02.2017
- Coordinated search and rescue within the Coast Guard and other local emergency services.
- Performed inspections on recreational boats to ensure they were safe for use.
- Stopped over $500,000 of illegal narcotics from entering the United States.
- Investigated maritime distress calls to provide aid to boaters in emergency situations, directly saving the lives of those in danger.
- Coordinated with other emergency response teams, such as police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, to provide comprehensive support during crisis situations.
- Interviewed and questioned persons illegally entering the U.S.
- Investigated persons suspected of violating U.S. law, using the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the National Crime Information Database (NCIC).
Team member
Americorps National Civilian Community Corps(NCCC)
09.2013 - 06.2014
- Worked with team members to provide aid to people affected by the 2013 Colorado floods
- Helped investigate unsafe areas that could be affected by rainfall and storms
- Worked closely with Texas State Park officials to identify and investigate invasive species on the Rio-Grande River
- Assistant teacher at Castro Elementary providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth
- Camp counselor for the U.S. Army, working with children to ensure proper logistical support, including food and transportation
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of San Diego
11.2025
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Maritime Law Enforcement Academy | Maritime Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Training Center
Charleston, SC06.2017
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA12-2026
Accomplishments
- Awarded Achievement Medal and Sailor of the Year at MSRT West for Demonstrating leadership and knowledge during a deployment to South East Asia
- Awarded Achievement Medal for developing instrumental standard operating procedures that will be implemented, directly impacting the U.S. Coast Guards at sea delivery/vertical insertion methods
- Awarded Expert Medal in both Rifle and Pistol
- Awarded the Congressional Award for public service
Certification
- Basic Tactical Operations Course
- Advanced Tactical Operations Course
- Hook and Climb Master
- Pacific High Seas Boarding Instructor
- Naval Special Warfare Sensitive Site Exploitation Operator Basic Course
- Naval Special Warfare Advanced Communications Course
- U.S. Special Operations Document and Media Exploitation/Sensitive Site Exploitation Operator Advanced Course
- Boarding Officer Course
- USCG Recruit Training
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care
- Firearms Marksmanship Coach
Timeline
Maritime Enforcement Specialist
United States Coast Guard
06.2017 - 07.2023
Fireman
United States Coast Guard
01.2015 - 02.2017
Team member
Americorps National Civilian Community Corps(NCCC)
09.2013 - 06.2014
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Maritime Law Enforcement Academy | Maritime Law Enforcement Law Enforcement Training Center
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
University of San Diego
Master of Arts - International Relations
University of San Diego