MIAMI, July 9 (Reuters) - The director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center was ousted on Monday and replaced temporarily by a veteran hurricane forecaster, a spokesman said.

Bill Proenza, who was appointed to the top hurricane forecasting job about six month ago, was embroiled in controversy after criticizing his Washington bosses for spending money on public relations while an aging weather satellite needed replacement.

Proenza was replaced on an interim basis by Ed Rappaport, the center's deputy director.

"We need to move forward," NHC spokesman Dennis Feltgen said. "Effective immediately Ed Rappaport will serve as acting director on an interim basis."

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