Admiral Tom Watson of Fleming Island backs Kat Cammack in FL-03

Gainesville, FL - Kat Cammack, the Constitutional conservative candidate for Congress in Florida's Third Congressional District, is announcing that Admiral Thomas C. Watson of Fleming Island has endorsed her campaign.

Prior to moving to Jacksonville in 1990, he served as President and CEO of Mars Electronics International, Inc., based in Philadelphia beginning in 1982. Prior to that, he had a long career as a naval officer, which included duty as a carrier-based naval aviator, a test pilot, three tours in combat operations in the Vietnam War, and command of five US Navy commands; a squadron, two air wings and two large ships, including the aircraft carrier, USS Independence. He also served on both the Navy and the Joint Staffs in the Pentagon. He is the recipient of a number of military awards; he culminated his naval career as a Rear Admiral. 

Since arriving in Jacksonville in 1990, he headed the Museum of Science and History as the Executive Director. Subsequently, he founded and served as President of CAVU Associates, an economic development consulting company. He has been active in a number of local organizations, including the Jacksonville University Council, the Navy League, Rotary International, the World Affairs Council, and others. 

He was born in 1931 in Pensacola, Florida, graduated from Marion Military Institute, attended The Citadel for a year before going to, and graduating from, the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, the Aerospace Safety School at the University of Southern California and the Senior Officer Ship Material Management course in Arco, Idaho. He attended a number of graduate business courses including the Darden School at the University of Virginia and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Admiral Watson has traveled extensively and is a strong proponent of a policy of maintaining a dominant military strength, as well as a strong and vibrant economy engaged in international trade as a means of national prosperity security. He is a patriotic and experienced business executive, naval officer and community activist who is routinely involved in the current affairs of our country and the local community. 

Admiral Thomas C. Watson gave the following statement:

“Hurricane Irma severely damaged Fleming Island, leaving dangerous debris on the riverbank. I tried to contact FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and our River Management District; all to no avail. Finally, I called Congressman Yoho's District office to seek assistance.

"What a great call that was; my first encounter with Kat Cammack, his Deputy Chief of Staff at the time. This was my very first experience with the brightest Congressional staff member I have ever known, either here or while in military service in Washington. Kat listened carefully as I explained our problem, and my total frustration with the government agencies I had contacted. Kat offered to visit our neighborhood the very next day to personally survey the unattended debris left by the hurricane. 

"Kat is a very professional, talented, energetic, knowledgeable, and solution-oriented individual. Her efforts resulted in all of the riverbank debris being removed by government agencies within three days! Based on this performance and many other personal experiences with Kat, as well as her management of Congressman Yoho's office, I know she is prepared to serve our district. Therefore, I hereby enthusiastically endorse Kat Cammack to be our next Congresswoman."

Kat Cammack gave the following response to the endorsement:

"As a fierce advocate for our veterans, Admiral Watson's endorsement holds a special place in my heart. He has devoted his life to the safety of our country and his extensive commitment to the Navy and national security is a testimony to all of the great American patriots who protect us. If given the privilege of representing our district, I look forward to continuing my work for those who wore the uniform, providing them with the best resources both while they're serving and once they return home."

Kat Cammck has released more local endorsements and coalitions than anyone else in the race. She has also been backed by leading national conservatives and organizations such as Senator Rand Paul (R, KY), Tea Party Express, The Tea Party Patriots, and The Republican Liberty Caucus.

Kat Cammack is a small business owner, a proud wife to a first responder, an alumnus of the United States Naval War College, and the longtime former Deputy Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager to Congressman Ted Yoho (R, FL-03).