By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Friday that it had temporarily relieved Captain James Spitler and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Dioquino, the commander and senior enlisted leader of Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
The decision was made by Rear Admiral Joseph Buzzella, District Eleven commander, following an investigation that resulted in a loss of confidence in the two leaders.
Rear Adm. Buzzella emphasized the importance of a respectful and trustworthy environment within the Coast Guard.
“The Coast Guard cannot accomplish our missions without the respect and trust of each member,” he stated. “A safe and professional environment for each member is crucial to the success of our service, and we will not tolerate behavior that goes against our core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.”
The Coast Guard has not disclosed further details regarding the circumstances of Spitler and Dioquino’s removal. However, it reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a service culture that prioritizes safety and support for all members, ensuring they feel respected and empowered in their roles.
Despite the leadership changes, Sector San Diego remains fully operational, with no impact on public safety.
Captain Patrick Dill, currently the chief of incident management for District Eleven, has temporarily taken over as the commander of Sector San Diego.
