Royal Caribbean International today announced the appointment of Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired, as the cruise line’s Senior Vice President of Marine Operations. In his new role, RADM Baumgartner will oversee the global cruise brand’s fleet and their nautical, technical and maintenance operations.

“We take our work so seriously here, and there is such commitment throughout our entire organization to give our guests the safest, happiest and smoothest vacation experiences we can,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, executive vice president of Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “It’s a good feeling to know we are adding someone with Bill’s background to make our team even stronger.”

Recently retired from a distinguished 33-year career, RADM Baumgartner served as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District and Director of Homeland Security Task Force Southeast, with responsibility over 40 ships, more than 11,000 people and all Coast Guard operations in the Southeastern U.S. and Caribbean basin – an area encompassing more than 1.8 million square miles. RADM Baumgartner coordinated Coast Guard operations with 34 foreign countries and territories in addition to overseeing several thousand search and rescue missions, the confiscation of nearly $2 billion in illegal narcotics, and the safety and security of commercial shipping in a region that included the three largest cruise ship ports, six of the nation’s largest container ports, and three strategic military outload ports.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Royal Caribbean team,” said RADM Baumgartner. “Royal Caribbean has an outstanding reputation not only for delivering the Wow Factor, but also for being an industry leader and doing things right. With my skills and experience, I believe I can be a driving force for growth and can help Royal Caribbean become even better.”

Just prior to the above role, RADM Baumgartner served as General Counsel (Judge Advocate General) for the Coast Guard, a $10 billion organization with more than 50,000 full-time and 40,000 part-time employees. He managed more than 250 attorneys in more than 15 offices worldwide and was the Federal Government’s lead maritime attorney. RADM Baumgartner began his career at sea and served as the commanding officer of two Coast Guard ships.

RADM Baumgartner holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, an MBA from the University of New Orleans, and a Law Degree from Harvard Law School.