QMCS (SW/AW) Dexter A. Watson was honored with USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN's 2008 "Union" Leadership Award. Watson was raised in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and enlisted in the Navy in October 1990. After completing Recruit Training he attended Quartermaster "A" School in Orlando, Florida, and was assigned to his first ship USS SAVANNAH (AOR-4) in Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1994, he transferred to USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) Alameda, California, where he sewed as Dept ALPO. In 1996 he was selected to serve as Staff Quartermaster COMNAVAIRLANT, Norfolk, Virginia, until 1998 and then he returned to sea duty as division LPO on board USS DEYO (DD-989), Norfolk, Virginia, until March 2002. After completion of his third sea tour, he remained in the Norfolk area and received orders to Afloat Training Group Atlantic (ATG). While at ATG, QMCS Watson was assigned as Afloat Quartermaster Instructor and contributed to the operational readiness of 63 Navy Atlantic Fleet and Coast Guard commands while achieving his Afloat Training Specialist and Master Training Specialist qualification.

In 2005, he transferred to USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG-62), Yokosuka, Japan, and served as Assistant Navigator and Navigation/Administration Department LCPO and conducted a crew swap from USS CHANCELLORSVILLE to USS SHILOH (CG-67). In April of 2007 he reported to USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72), Everett, WA as the Navigation Department LCPO and was the 2008 "Union" award recipient for the CPO mess.

Senior Chief Watson is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards) and various unit and campaign awards.