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Today's Featured Biography

Michael Watson

Michael G. Watson
Captain, United States Navy (Retired)

Michael recently returned to the United States from Europe where he served several diplomatic tours of duty as a member of the United States Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

His most recent duty from 2003 to 2012 was to the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels, Belgium. His first assignment in NATO was as the Director of Naval Cooperation. Upon retirement from the navy, he became Executive Officer to the Secretary of Defense Representative to Europe. In these positions he dealt closely with the significant issues that concern the twenty-eight members of the Alliance. Among these issues are: International Security Assistance Force (ISAF-Afghanistan), Operation Unified Protector (OUP-Libya), Defense Against Terrorism, Missile Defense, Defense Against Cyber Attack, NATO-Russia Council, Air Space Cooperation, NATO Reform, among others.

Prior to his assignment to NATO, Michael served from 2000 to 2003 in Copenhagen, Denmark as the Defense and Naval Attaché to the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Denmark and Naval Attaché to Lithuania. He served as primary liaison between the governments of the United States and Denmark to secure the participation of Denmark in major international operations. He was also a significant influence in preparing Lithuania’s acceptance as a member of NATO. At the end of his tour he was inducted as Knight, Order of the Dannenbrog, Commander First Class by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. He was also presented with the Order of the Iron Wolf, First Class, by the president of Lithuania.

Since his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1975, Michael spent close to 18 years at sea on 11 ships. His billets included tours in engineering, weapons, and combat systems. His ultimate seagoing tour concluded as Commanding officer of USS Santa Barbara. Along the way he earned Master’s Degrees in National Security Affairs/Strategic Studies (United States Naval War College) and International Relations (Salve Regina University). His U.S. Awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Award, Legion of Merit, and Civilian Meritorious Service Award.

Michael and Dianna have been married for thirty-four years. They are happily renovating their new home in Lewisville, where they hope their four children and families will soon visit. Their oldest son, Ben, is working for Microsoft in Seattle. Second son, Jesse, is a chef in Sweden. Oldest daughter, Alix, works as a television producer in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Youngest daughter, Claire, lives in Scotland, where she recently completed her degree in Forensic Biology and is pursuing an additional career as an artist.

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