STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser has been installed as the new head of U.S. Africa Command.

Waldhauser took over Monday at a time of conflict and crisis in Africa, including in South Sudan and Libya.

Once installed at a change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, Waldhauser told a news conference that the U.S. has no intention of closing its embassy in South Sudan.

He said, "Things have calmed down a tad," adding that the crisis is "a little bit less severe" than a week ago.

Waldhauser is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He took over for Army Gen. David Rodriguez, who is retiring.

The change of command ceremony for Waldhauser was held at U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.