Mr. Weaver serves as the Deputy Commander of United States Naval Forces Southern Command and United States Fourth Fleet, headquartered in Mayport, Fl. Fourth Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in crisis, contingency, and cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Weaver served as the Director, Commander’s Action Group for Fourth Fleet, contributing to force strategy, scheduling, policy, planning, and international engagement. Notable contributions include support to Operations Southern Guard, Southern Spear, and Absolute Resolve. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in January 2026.
Mr. Weaver began his career as a Naval Officer in 1995 and retired from active duty as a Captain after nearly thirty years of service. As a Naval Aviator, he amassed over 3000 hours flying multiple aircraft and made numerous deployments embarked in frigates, destroyers and cruisers assigned to Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups. He commanded at the squadron and wing level and while deployed, supported operations including Southern Watch, Martillo, Desert Fox, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.
His staff assignments have included tours as the Military Assistant to the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and later as Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Security Affairs. Additionally, Michael served at U.S. Southern Command as the Deputy Chief for Combating Transnational Organized Crime and later as Chief of Staff U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Fourth Fleet.
A New York native, Mr. Weaver graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College with a degree in Meteorology and Oceanography (Environmental Science), a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s License (Unlimited), and a U.S. Navy commission. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Science from George Washington University. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and multiple other personal and campaign medals.