Watson takes reins of CGS NOLA

NEW ORLEANS - Coast Guard Sector New Orleans held a change of command ceremony on May 29. Capt. Kristi M. Luttrell transferred command of Sector New Orleans to Capt. Will E. Watson, with Rear Adm. John P. Nadeau, commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, presiding. "I was honored to assume command of Sector New Orleans today," said Watson. "It is one of the Coast Guard's largest and busiest sectors. I take on this responsibility with great humility and great enthusiasm and look forward to continuing to serve." Watson comes to command the Sector from duty as deputy commander. His previous operational tours include serving as Commanding Officer at Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles, La.; and deployed to Joint Field Office Baton Rouge in support of Hurricane Katrina and Rita Rescue and Recovery Operations in 2005. From 1997-2000, he served as Port Operations Officer at Marine Safety Office New Orleans. Watson holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, as well as a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University in New Orleans. CG Sector New Orleans supports a wide range of Coast Guard operations to include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, aids to navigation, and ports, waterways, and coastal security. Sector New Orleans' commander also serves as captain of the Port of New Orleans. (Source: Coast Guard 05/29/20)