The commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s large base in San Diego has been permanently relieved of his duties six months after being suspended for unspecified reasons.
Capt. James Spitler was relieved “following an investigation leading to a loss of confidence due to failures in leadership, judgement, and integrity,” Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, commander of District Eleven, said in a statement.
“Sector San Diego is fully operational and focused on securing our Maritime Border and approaches,” Buzzella said. “The Coast Guard has surged assets and tripled the number of deployed forces — to include cutters, aircraft, and tactical teams — along the U.S. Southern border and maritime approaches.”
Sector San Diego is responsible for patrolling 120 miles of coastline and 750 miles of the Colorado River, as well as the U.S.-Mexico southwest maritime border, the agency says.
