Mike Emerson serves as the Director of the Marine Transportation Systems at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. This directorate is responsible for a wide variety of navigation safety and security functions including Waterways Management, Aids to Navigation, Domestic and Polar Ice Operations, Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning and Bridge and Arctic Programs.
Prior to his role as Director, Mike Emerson was assigned as the Coast Guard Senior Arctic Advisor, following a three year assignment in the Office of Operations Coordination at the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters. As Arctic Advisor, he directed daily production of Service Chief-level reports to highlight operations and outcomes of Arctic initiatives, and led international and interagency maritime domain awareness programs, including projects in Arctic regions.
Mike Emerson retired from the Coast Guard in 2014, following an exciting 30 year career. His tours of duty included Senior Fellow for the CNO Strategic Studies Group in Newport, RI; Chief of Aviation Forces in Headquarters; Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, FL; and Chief of Drug Interdiction in Headquarters.
Mike Emerson is a specialist in Coast Guard missions, at sea and in the air. His operational career began with two tours afloat as First Lieutenant of Cutter CHEROKEE, and Executive Officer of Cutter VASHON conducting rescues and law enforcement along the east coast and throughout the Caribbean. Afterward, he earned his aviator wings at Pensacola, FL, and served multiple tours in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Florida, providing flight support for each of the 11 Coast Guard missions. He is an experienced C-130 pilot and instructor. He has over 4,000 hours of flight time, and instructed for 13 years.
A native of Norfolk, VA, Mike Emerson proudly began the third generation of Emerson's serving in the Coast Guard. He graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Government Degree, and has since received a Masters Degree in Military Studies from the Marine Corps University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from American Military University. He currently lives in Owings Maryland with his wife Becky and two daughters, Becca and Leah. He is also supporting two more daughters at Florida State University.