Cmdr. David Cooper relieved Cmdr. Michael Brandhuber as commander of Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans in an official change-of-command ceremony, Thursday

Cmdr. Michael Brandhuber assumed command of Air Station New Orleans in June 2012, and will be attending the Eisenhower School of National Security at the National Defense University in Washington D.C.

As the commanding officer of Air Station New Orleans, Brandhuber was responsible for all Coast Guard missions conducted by 122 personnel and five MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, capable of providing two ready flight crews 24 hours per day. Air Station New Orleans is one of the busiest search-and-rescue units in the Coast Guard. The Air Station has prosecuted over 530 cases within the past two years.

Cooper graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Government. Operational tours in the Coast Guard include being a plank owner at both Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron. While at Air Station Atlantic City, he was recognized by the Delaware State Senate for the rescue of three state employees from a sinking vessel during a Nor’easter. While at HITRON, he was designated an Airborne Use of Force Mission Commander and personally led his crews to interdict over one billion dollars worth of illegal narcotics. As the HITRON Standardization Officer, he was instrumental in the development of AUF operational policy and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. He also provided AUF security for the 2004 G8 Summit and the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

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.