Jay Martin has been appointed as the new executive director of the Battleship North Carolina effective May 31, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced recently.

Martin takes over the helm from Capt. Terry Bragg, who will retire June 1, according to a news release.

“Dr. Martin’s extensive background in maritime history, historic preservation and archaeology will bring an enhanced focus to telling the Battleship’s story for its thousands of annual visitors,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, in the release. “We thank Captain Bragg for his service to the Battleship for the past 15 years, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Martin is a 40-year veteran of historical endeavors and a specialist in maritime history, the release stated. He has served as the chief administrator for several museums and most recently served as director and curator of the Central Michigan University Museum of Cultural and Natural History/Gerald Poor School House Museum and director of the Museum Studies Program.

Martin has taught American, maritime, military and public history at various institutions, and his specialty in historic preservation and cultural resource management has included the research, restoration and interpretation of multiple historic ships, overland vehicles and structures, according to the release.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in public history from Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in American Studies and a Ph.D. in history from Bowling Green State University.

Bragg has served as executive director of the Battleship North Carolina since March 2009. Before joining the landmark, Bragg spent 30 years in the naval services with sub-specialties in financial management, procurement and anti-submarine warfare.

During his time as executive director, Bragg spearheaded projects that included repairing extensive corrosion damage to the battleship hull, the building of the cofferdam to ensure continuous hull maintenance, the public SECU Memorial walkway that encircles the battleship and the Living with Water project to counter the effects of climate change, according to the release.