Coast Guard’s Watson promoted to admiral

Coast GuardÆs Watson promoted to admiral Coast Guard Capt. James Watson, who has been serving as chief of staff of the Miami-based Coast Guard District Seven, has been promoted to rear admiral and will be reassigned to Washington.
   Acting Public Affairs Officer Luis Diaz said today that Watson will be replaced by Capt. William Lee, who will be coming in from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Atlantic Beach, N.C.
   Watson has been a well-known presence in South Florida. He came in as chief of staff in May 2006, but also served as commanding officer of the Marine Safety Office Miami from 2001 to 2004.
   The district chief of staff is the deputy district commander, sometimes serving as alternate District Commander. The chief of staff is also the day-to-day supervisor for the district staff and sector commanders within the district.
   District Seven, which is based in the Brickell Plaza Federal Building in downtown Miami, covers the entire U.S. southeastern region and the entire Caribbean Basin. The Marine Safety Office Miami, located in Miami Beach, handles more specific local safety issues and provides support for other regional events.