SAN DIEGO - A retired U.S. Coast Guard vice admiral starts his new job today as the Port of San Diego's president and chief executive officer.

Retired Vice Adm. Charles Wurster, who left the Coast Guard in May after 37 years of service, was named the port's new president and CEO Monday by port officials.

Wurster, 59, was most recently commander of the Coast Guard's Pacific Area, based in Alameda, Calif. He was selected from more than 80 applicants vetted by a search firm, Ralph Andersen and Associates, according to the port.

Wurster, who will make $200,000 a year, replaces Bruce Hollingsworth as the port's president. Hollingsworth announced in September that he would retire after a replacement had been selected.

According to the port, Wurster will work with Hollingsworth over the next 30 days during a transition period.

The Port of San Diego employs more than 600 people and generates more than $130 million in revenue annually, according to its Web site. The Port overseas waterfront developments in Imperial Beach, National City, Chula Vista, San Diego and Coronado.