NEW ORLEANS — Coast Guard Rear Adm. Kevin S. Cook transferred command of the 8th Coast Guard District to Rear Adm. David R. Callahan during a change-of-command ceremony at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, Friday.
Rear Adm. Callahan assumed command of the 8th District and responsibility for operations spanning 26 states, including the Gulf coastline from Florida to Mexico and the adjacent offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the inland waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee River systems. Callahan previously served as Assistant Commandant for Human Resources in Washington, D.C.
After the change-of-command ceremony, Rear Adm. Cook retired after serving the U.S. Coast Guard for 36 years.
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command.