Capt. James Spitler is the new commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, taking over for Capt. Timothy Barelli, who has retired after 26 years of service.
The change of command was made official Thursday, July 14 in a ceremony in San Diego with Rear Adm. Andrew M. Sugimoto, commander of 11th Coast Guard District, presiding.
Spitler previously served as chief of the domestic operations division, directorate of operations of the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado.
“Since 1934, the Coast Guard has selflessly served the city of San Diego,” Spitler said. “We are a part of this legacy and with my guiding principles of people, proficiency and professionalism we will continue to be Semper Paratus (Always Ready) for years to come.”
Spitler, a Pensacola, Florida, native obtained his commission from the Coast Guard Academy in 1997. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University.
