New London - The commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard training barque Eagle will be the next assistant superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy.

The current assistant superintendent, Capt. James E. Rendon, will be promoted to rear admiral.

Capt. Eric C. Jones, who has commanded Eagle since June 2009, said he was very pleased with the assignment and he looks "forward to continuing to work with the academy's excellent staff and faculty to prepare exceptional young men and women for the challenging and rewarding opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Coast Guard."

In March, Rendon will become the director of the Joint Interagency Task Force West in Hawaii, according to the academy. Rendon said he will cherish his days at the school.

"The teamwork, camaraderie and purpose of this institution is heartwarming and very strong," said Rendon, an academy graduate who has been the assistant superintendent for the past year and a half.

"I love this place," Rendon added. "It will be tough leaving next spring but I am honored and excited for what lies ahead."

Capt. Raymond Pulver, who works at Coast Guard Headquarters, will be the next commanding officer of the Eagle, the academy said.

-Jennifer McDermott