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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Feb. 3, 2021

Deckplate Leader of the Week: Chief Petty Officer Felix Castillo, Jr.

By From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard’s Facebook page

Our Deckplate Leader of the Week is Chief Petty Officer Felix Castillo Jr., a boatswain’s mate stationed at U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan!

Castillo personifies what it means to be a chief and a leader in today's workforce. He is a mentor, role model and leader – not just at the sector, but as an honorable member of the Chief's Mess, across Sector San Juan, and in the Hispanic community at large. 

He has not only succeeded at being a respected mentor to Puerto Rico's junior enlisted personnel, but also having a boxing coach mentality in raising his younger brother Senior Chief Petty Officer Afip "Tito" Castillo, a machinery technician, as another respected Coast Guard leader!

When asked what make a good chief? - he responded:

“A good chief is humble and accountable in all his actions; setting the example for others to follow, knowing a positive outcome will be produced by being the chief who executes those actions consistently with pride.”

Advice to Junior Members:

“To always be ready to know the job below and above you, because you never know when someone will need your help or to fill in a new position. Also, learn the importance of diversity and inclusion throughout our service today, and finding a way to involve it in your local community outreach.”