NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Coast Guard’s 8th District has a new commander.

Rear Adm. Kevin Cook took over from Rear Adm. Roy Nash on Thursday in ceremonies at the National World War II Museum.

Nash is a native of Clifton Park, N.Y. He retired on Thursday. His 34 years in the Coast Guard included nearly two years commanding the 8th District. The New Orleans-based district covers 1,200 miles of coastline and 10,300 miles of waterways in 26 states, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Tennessee River systems.

Cook is a native of Freehold, N.J. He comes to New Orleans from Portsmouth, Va., where he was deputy commander for the Atlantic area. He also had served as chief of staff for the district based in Seattle.